27 JULY 2018
TERM 3 • 27 JULY 2018 • VOLUME 304
29 JUNE TO 13 JULY 2018
From the Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor
A warm welcome to Term Three is extended to all members of the PLC Armidale Community especially those whose daughters have joined the College this week. The chatter and buzz of catching up as the staff and students made their way to the Astra Arts Centre for our whole school Commencement Chapel /Assembly Service made for a delightful start to the term. In addition to the new students joining us in a number of year groups across the College, we welcome back Mrs Michele Kennedy to the Pre-Kinder classroom and express appreciation to Mrs Tina Dettwiler for the very positive start to the Learning Journey @ PLC Armidale in her work with Pre-Kinder throughout Semester One. We welcome Mrs Dina Floros who has commenced in the role of Executive Assistant and Office Manager. Dina has returned to Armidale with her family having spent many years working in Sydney in a range of positions, most recently as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of an international performance marketing agency. We also welcome Sister Helen Murtagh to PLC Armidale this term. Sister Murtagh will be replacing Sister Angela Pieterse who is making the most of some well-earned long service leave, with travel and family time planned. Sister Murtagh will be attending to all medical and health care needs of our students throughout the school day. continues next page... continued on Page 2...
JS Staff Planning Day and Student Activities Day 29/6/18 Staff Day for Snr School Teaching Staff Only 29/6/18 Columba at PLCA 29/6/18 PLCM at PLCA 29/6/18 JULY- AM TO Boarders27 Depart 29/6/18 10 AUGUST 2018 Fleece to Fashion Gala Event 7/7/18 Integrated Learning Project 11/7/18 Boarding Schools Expo Mudgee Field Days 12/7- 28/7/18 - 16/7/18 - Narrabri 27/7 Yrs 10 and Tour/Repast 11 Thailand Trip Principal's Event Preparation 18/7/18 - Narrabri Meeting 27/7/18 National - 22/7/18 Boarders'Primary Church Games Service at St Paul's 21/7 29/7/18 Boarders 23/7/18 Boarders'Return Chapel - PM 30/7/18 Staff 23/7/18 OGU Day Meeting 31/7/18 Choral Society 23/7/18 ICAS English 31/7/18 School Resumes - Commencement Assembly 31/7/18 24/7/18 Starry Night of Languages Yrs 8-12 Training 24/7/18 Years 10 PLC andSoccer 11 Thailand Trip Preparation Meeting 1/8/18 Meeting with Head and Deputy Head 25/7/18 PLC Armidale P & FPrefects Meeting 2/8/18 Yrs 5 and 6 Maths 25/7/18 Foundation CapitalOlympiad Campaign Committee Meeting Project 7/8/18 Integrated Learning 25/7/18 IGSSA Trip81Self - Netball and HockeyCare Yrs 7 and Esteem Pastoral +'MAD Giants Netball Match 2/8 - 5/8/18 Camp' 25/7/18 Kindergarten Orientation All Staff Meeting 25/7/18 Morning Session 3/8/18 Yrs 7 and 8 Self Esteem Pastoral Care WAIS 4/8 - 26/8/18 'MAD Study Camp'Tour 26/7/18 Boarders' 6/8/18 PLC GreenChapel (Yrs 5 and 6) Netball Training 27/7/18 Trial HSCTeam Exams 3/8 - 17/8/18 Boarding Schools Expo - Narrabri 27/7/18 Junior School Parent/Teacher 7/8 - 8/8/18 PLC Green (Yrs 5Interviews and 6) Netball Training 27/7/18 Poetry inTeam Action Performances 8/8/18 Boarding Expo - Narrabri 27/7/18 Dannielle Schools Miller 'Raising Amazing Girls' Parent presentation 8/8/18 Principal's Tour/Repast Event - Narrabri 27/7/18 PLC 5 Armidale Foundation Meeting 9/8/18 PLC Hockey Training 27/7/18 Years 9 and 10 Butterfly Effect PLC 6 & PLC 7 Hockey Training 27/7/18 Workshop, Dannielle Miller 9/8/18 K to Yr 2 Sport 27/7/18 College Council Weekend Visit 10/8/18 Yrs 7 and 8 Self Esteem Pastoral Care EKKA 10/8/18 'MAD Camp' 27/7/18 Boarding Schools Expo - Narrabri 28/7/18
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Visitors to the Senior School area have commented positively on the construction of a purpose built Senior School reception area making use of an existing recessed space. This will become the main area to service Senior School students, staff and parents with tasks such as signing in/signing out, notification of student absences, purchase of meal tickets and access to any information pertaining to the Senior School. This reception area will become operational from next week with Mrs Sandra Grant as Senior School receptionist and Ms Carolyn Beresford, Sport Coordinator, working in this space. Mrs Sue Westley continues in her role as the main receptionist in the Administration area, with an additional focus on the College database system Edumate which will enable us over time to implement more fully the features and services of Edumate across the College. The Uniform Shop, now fully operational in the demountable building located near the DKC at the end of the Duval Road entrance to the College continues to be staffed by Mrs Alex Notley, with Alinta Apparel having taken over the operation
of the shop. I trust you received communication during the break about the number of services Alinta Apparel will be providing to the PLC Armidale community which we trust will make it easier for families to access school uniform supplies. What will be less evident to most visitors to the College is that the third Boarding House, “Hilton” is also under renovation as we make preparation for small groups of students from overseas to visit the College for short term study tours where PLC Armidale will be providing some Intensive English Language learning experiences through the PLC Pathways program as well as cross cultural experiences of regional Australia. The first study tour will take place early this term, with a group of primary school aged students, accompanied by their teachers visiting PLC Armidale for three weeks. We welcome the opportunity to showcase Australian education, especially through the work of our Language Centre and visits to some of our classrooms. The Term Three calendar is a full and busy one. During the break you should also have received a series of invitations to a number of events at the College which showcase our student’s learning across a range of subjects and programs. These events also provide an opportunity for prospective students to experience for themselves what is on offer at PLC Armidale which they too could be part of. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you, your family and friends.
Community Events
The people assisted may be disadvantaged by finance, geography, physical or intellectual disability.
Boarding Schools’ Expo
Watch this space for more updates on this wonderful partnership. The organisation also offers individual membership. Check out their website for more information http://www.lordstaverners-northernnsw.com.au
Our Enrolments Manager, Sally McCook and Head of Boarding, Alison Spencer, will be showcasing PLC Armidale at the final Boarding Schools’ Expo in Narrabri TODAY from 12noon – 6pm and 9.30am - 3pm TOMORROW, at the Crossing Theatre. They will then join the Principal’s Tour & REPAST Soiree being held at local business, Marval Designs (which is owned by a former PLC Armidale staff member!). Please feel free to spread the word to any family and friends in the area to drop in from 5.30pm – 7pm and meet Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor.
PLC Armidale Foundation Annual Giving 2018 Thank you to all the members of our community who gave generously to this year’s Annual Giving campaign. Every contribution is much appreciated and assists the Foundation in their work to grow both the Building and Scholarships Funds and ultimately opportunities for our girls now and in the future.
Community Partnerships * Lord’s Taverners Northern NSW Membership PLC Armidale has become the first organisational member of the Lord’s Taverners Northern NSW Branch. As a not-for-profit association, the organisation’s vision is to raise money to assist underprivileged and disadvantaged children. LTNNSW provides sporting facilities, equipment and opportunities.
Any stories to tell? Should you wish to have any achievement or activity promoted, please send the information to events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
NEWS
The break provided a welcome opportunity for a number of building projects to either continue or commence across the College. Visitors to Administration will notice the construction of a new Reception counter enabling the previous reception area to be repurposed for additional office space.
School Notices* – A new opportunity
(Please see the Ad located on page 9 of this Lion’s Roar) PLC Armidale is pleased to announce a new fundraising initiative, which will directly benefit not only the College in various ways, but also the many businesses owned by our community. School Notices is an exciting, safe and secure marketplace for parents from all independent schools. It is free for all to browse and post notices whilst providing a place for local and parent owned businesses to advertise. We are excited to enrol in this new, fast growing platform, joining the many other independent schools who have also joined recently. As more and more schools enrol, it broadens the reach for those posting notices and the site has also become a terrific place to promote the many sales and charity events being run by parents. The School Notices website will be accessible to all parents at www.schoolnoticesoz.com. We will also be providing a link to the website from our College website in due course. When you have a moment, I would encourage you to check out the website and register. The more people who use it, the more beneficial it will become.
Shona Eichorn • Director of Development Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Nicky Webster • Events & Communications Assistant Amy Chiu • Pathways Liaison events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
AND… don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook and Instagram! 02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Anna Caldwell, Head of Senior School
Welcome back to school for Term 3, the start of Semester 2.
Prefect Positions available:
After our three-week holiday it is good to be back at school. I especially enjoy the first few days back, listening to the excited chatter and sharing of holiday stories and the girls greeting each other as though it has been years since they last met!
Deputy Head Prefect
I would also like to warmly welcome all our new students and families who are joining us this term.
Head Prefect Boarding House Prefect Creative Arts Prefect
SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Notes
Sport Prefect Forrest Guild Captain Gregory Guild Captain
Group photographs
Macquarie Guild Captain
Our School Group photographs day is on Tuesday 21 August.
Wentworth Guild Captain There are also two Spiritual Leadership positions available.
Prefect Leadership This term is officially the last term of school for our wonderful Year 12 students and we look forward to celebrating their time at school through their Final Assembly, Valedictory Assembly and Dinner. This term is also an important term for our Year 11 students, as they are handed the leadership baton and take on the role of being the most Senior Class of the College. Year 11 students have the opportunity to nominate for all Prefect positions. Voting and elections will take place in Week 8.
SAVE THE DATE
Hawkesbury Canoe Classic This year is the 42nd Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, and it will be held on 27 and 28 October. If you are interested in participating in this event, you are to sign up on the Sports Notice Board. Training is on Sunday mornings at Malpas Dam, usually from 8.30am – 12pm. This event is open to any student from Years 9, 10 & 11, who will be 15 years or over by 26 October. Paddling crews can be made up of student pairs or a student and a parent, eg. Mother / daughter or Father / daughter.
Friday 24 August - Information evening for stages 5 & 6.
OEUVRE An event for Year 12 girls and families plus beneficial for students and interested parents who are thinking of choosing these subjects in Stage 6.
H SC Design & Technology Extension English Extension History Music Visual Arts
oe u vre 5 . 3 0 P M T U E S D AY 2 1 A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 C R E AT I V E A R T S F O Y E R
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School News Fiona Wake, Head of Junior School
Welcome Back! This time last year my family and I were travelling Australia exploring this sunburnt country of sweeping plains, ragged mountains, droughts and flooding rains. This year we have enjoyed a much quieter holiday amongst the Ben Lomond Hills, enjoying the recent rain and our wonderment at our frozen river, that our girls were able to walk across, due to the temperature dropping to approximately - 15 degrees. These chilly days and outdoor classroom experiences stirs excitement and calls for the Ugg boots, hot chocolate, toast cooked on the fire or a baked lunch of roast beef followed by my infamous Golden Dumpling recipe passed down from my Great Grandmother. I hope that your break, whether in unseen territory or in the familiarity of your home, has been restful and enjoyable. My own girls, like yours, despite enjoying the break are looking forward to reuniting with their friends. Term three is upon us and it is a busy one with Kindergarten Orientation, a THRASS and Reggio Emelia Session, Grandparents' Day, Open Day and the continuation of Winter Sport. We sadly said farewell to Tina Dettwiler, who replaced Michele Kennedy for Semester One, however welcome Michele’s return. We look forward to Michele complementing our Pre-Kindergarten program through her wonderful insight and experience teaching in an International School in Singapore. This experience for Michele and PLC means an International perspective will add value to our Pre-Kindergarten program through global connections which will provide wonderful opportunities for our students. We begin our term exploring the Character Strength - LOVE…. According to Deirdre Danahar, viewing love as a character trait in many areas of your life can improve more than just significant relationships. What comes to mind when someone asks you about your strengths? Typically, people think of the skills they developed at school and work such as teamwork, budgeting or using social media. But do you think about your character traits as strengths?
Please join us for the
Junior School
Fathers' Day Breakfast
AND
Thursday 30 August 2018 from 7.45am JUNIOR SCHOOL UNDERCOVER AREA followed by Chapel service at 8:45am in the Astra Arts Centre
RSVP by Monday 27 August 2018 to: juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
A character trait is a distinctive feature influencing how you relate to the world and is expressed in thoughts, actions and feelings. Research by psychologists including Martin Seligman, Chris Peterson and others shows that people share the same 24 Character traits—each of us has our own mix of top, middle and lower traits that make us individuals. Some of these traits include love, fairness, perseverance, leadership and kindness. continues next page...
Chapel Service
Enjoy a relax College gardens w from across t (Dads, brothe Complimenta Bacon & Egg
Dates for the Diary... • Pre K and Kinder Orientation Morning Friday 3 August • Pre K to Year 6 Experience Day Parent Info Session Friday 24 August • Fathers' Day Breakfast Thursday 30 August • Grandparents' Day and Starry Night of Music Friday 7 September • Junior School Open Afternoon Friday 26 October
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
continued from Page 4... As a character trait, Seligman and Peterson define love as the ability to give and receive love. Love's hallmark is a mutual sharing of comfort, acceptance and warmth. If this is the case, I am confident that our community displays love. It comforts those who are feeling sad or disappointed, we accept individual differences and value this among our community members, and the warmth of the Junior School is felt the minute you walk through the front doors at the beginning and the end of each day. Studying this strength and valuing it as a trait assists students to themselves feel comforted, accepted and secure. This can enhance learning, positive peer interactions, confidence academically and socially and develop resilience and understanding of differences.
‘Love in the Junior School is shown by understanding and helping others! I love my job, I love the difference education can make to the lives of our daughters and I love and appreciate your commitment to PLC along with our shared desire to create independent women who will confidently create their own place in our 21st Century world.’ Homework Centre BOOKING Procedure – Yellow slips are available from Emma Young’s desk. When you complete the booking form please pass it on to Emma and she will see to it that it is passed on to Rosemary Richards. Alternatively, you may phone Emma and she will fill this form in on your behalf and pass it on accordingly. If you are unable to make the 3:45pm pick up time at the front gate, the supervising teacher will chaperone your child to the Homework Centre where they will be booked in on arrival. The procedures mentioned above will ensure your daughters are safe and accounted for at all times. If alternative arrangements need to be made, please email myself and cc your child’s teacher. If your daughter is to be picked up by someone outside of your family or someone the school does not have as a contact, please inform the school.
Premier’s Reading Challenge The 2018 Challenge kicked off Monday 6 March and closes Friday 25 August (midnight) for students. Your daughter should have received a Reading Log Sheet where she can record her reading over the allocated weeks. Happy Reading!
What is happening over the following weeks in the Junior School? WEEK 2
WEEK 4
• ICAS English Exam • Year 3 - 6 Gymnastics • Kindergarten Orientation Session 1 Friday 3 August • Starry Night of Languages
• ICAS Mathematics Exam • Mathematics Olympiad Year 5 & 6 • Gymnastics Year 3-6
WEEK 3 • English ICAS • Parent Teacher Interviews Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 August • Dannielle Miller - Raising Amazing Girls • K-2 Gymnastics
WEEK 5 • Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition Year 5 & 6 • Kindergarten Orientation 2 Friday 24 August Further details regarding these events will be forwarded to you when required.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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SPORT
Around the Grounds Sports Report Peter Le Surf, Director of Sport
Welcome Back to Term 3! This is one of the busiest terms in the representative sporting calendar. I am sure the girls are eager to get back into training and playing after the break. Training for all sports starts again this week.
"Champions keep playing until they get it right.” Billie Jean King
Coaching Course PLC Armidale will be running a Coaching Course for anyone (girls or parents) who might be interested in taking on the coaching of a junior sporting team in the future. The course is in four modules: 1. Coaching Methodology 2. Fundamental Motor Skills 3. Planning 4. Practical All modules must be attended and a workbook completed during the course. The course will cover the basic principles of coaching, breaking skills down to fundamentals, planning a term of lessons and a practical session where you will have to coach a lesson with a group of young children. The course will commence on Sunday July 29 and continue on August 12, 19 and 26. It will run from 9:00-11:00am at the College. If you are interested in attending, please contact me on plesurf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Dates to remember
Very special congratulations to Year 12 student, Sarah A, who recently attended the NSW Pierre de Coubertin Academy Day and Presentation and was presented with the coveted Pierre de Coubertin award by Olympian, Jarryd Hughes. Sarah enjoyed the day meeting many Olympians and learning about the International Olympic Movement. A very well deserved award for your accomplishments and contributions in sport, Sarah!
• Netball and Hockey to Sydney for IGSSA Competition 2 - 4 August • Athletics team to Sydney for IGSSA Athletics Carnival 22 - 23 August • Celebration of Sport afternoon at PLC 25 August • Netball and Hockey to Sydney for IGSSA Competition 30 August - 1 September • Netball and Hockey semi finals/finals for IGSSA Competition 20 - 22 September I look forward to seeing you on the sidelines again this term.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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SPORT
Junior School Sport Lucy Donaldson
Welcome back to Term 3! A busy term ahead and I am sure the girls will be eager to get back into their sporting activities.
Kim Small Shield and York Cup
Training will resume this week and games resume on Saturday, 28 July. Please continue to let coaches or myself know if your daughter/s are unable to attend training and/or games. Trainings are compulsory unless notice is given.
Congratulations to Macey Wake, Elsie Wake, Annie Wake, Natashia Barton, Mikalee Barton and Chelsea Waters who competed in the Kim Small Shield and York Cup hockey competition in Tamworth over four days, 19 – 22 July. By all accounts it sounded like everyone had a fabulous time and the players were to be commended on their excellent sportsmanship.
Hook in 2 Hockey will recommence on Saturday 4 August (end of Week 2)
Upcoming Sporting Events
National Primary Games
• Hockey and netball games recommence Saturday 28 July
Hockey and Netball
Congratulations to our almighty Year 5/6 Netball team who competed at the National Primary Games (NPG’s) on the last weekend of the holidays in Tamworth. There was some stiff competition, with majority of the teams coming from representative clubs. Our girls held their own, playing some wonderful netball and showing outstanding sportsmanship. They played 6 games on the Saturday and another 2 games on Sunday morning. A special thank you to coach, Erica Smith and team manager, Emma Young for your support over the two days. Thank you also to all the parents and family members who accompanied the girls to the event and supported our wonderful PLC team. It was a great opportunity to compete in such an event.
• Hook in 2 Hockey recommences Saturday 4 August • PSSA Athletics Carnival, AHS Friday 17 August • IPSHA Athletics Carnival, Sydney Wednesday 29 August
Kim Small Shield and York Cup
Year 5 Netball Team
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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For enquires, please contact Events and Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster
events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
JULY
EVENTS
Upcoming Events 2018
2018 Principal's Regional Tour NARRABRI - Friday 27 July • 5.30pm - 7pm at Marval Designs INVERELL - Thursday 16 August • 5.30pm - 7pm at The Dust Jacket & Cafe GUNNEDAH - Wednesday 22 August • 5.30pm - 7pm at Marval Designs (after Agquip) TAMWORTH - Thursday 6 September • 5.30pm - 7pm at Ruby's Cafe RSVP events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
2018
Principal’s Regional Tour
Annual
Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor invites you, members of our past, present & future PLC Armidale community A showcase to join her at one of the following unique events for drinks & canapes.
Starry Night
of Languages
of the languages studied at PLC Armidale
Tuesday 31 July 2018 • 5.30pm - 7.00pm Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale Come and hear about ‘Why All Girls?’, ‘Why PLC Gold coin donation. Complimentary German and French canapes and drinks from 5pm Armidale?’ and celebrate the launch of the College’s Commemorative Book, REPAST, as featured in the New England Living magazine.
NARRABRI
Friday 27 July, 5.30 - 7 pm at Marval Designs. Catering by Relish
AUGUST
INVERELL
Thursday 16 August, 5.30 - 7 pm at The Dust Jacket & Cafe
Students in Years 8 - 10 are Wednesday 22 August, 5.30 - 7 pm rolling out the red carpet to at Marval Designs. Catering by Relish Friday invite you to the premiere of 3 August • 8.30am - 10.30am Followed by morning tea. TAMWORTHtheir Thursday 6 September, 5.30 - 7 Friday pmat the Short Film Festival 24 August • 8.30am - 3.30pm Followed by afternoon tea. at Ruby’s Cafe. Catering by Pronto Friday 24 August • 5.30pm - 6.30pm Presenting our approach to literacy (THRASS Reggio Emilia) The events will also provide an opportunity to support our region’s local businesses. Friday 26 October • 5.30pm - 6.30pm 'Eat & Beat' - A fun afternoon/evening of food and creative arts for all! juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au To RSVPRSVP please contact
Kindergarten / Junior School Orientation
GUNNEDAH
Annual
Sta rry Night
Events & Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
of
Languages Raising Amazing Girls with Dannielle Miller
A showcase of the languages studied at PLC Armidale.
Wednesday 8 August 2018 • 5.30pm Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale
Tuesday 31 July www.trybooking.com/WLRH 2018 Tickets $5pp including a light supper provided by the PLC Armidale P&F Enquires 02 6770 1700 • development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au In alliance with PLC SYDNEY 5.30pm - 7.00pm Complimentary German and French canapes and drinks available from 5pm
ASTRA ARTS CENTRE, PLC ARMIDALE SEPTEMBER
A Gold Coin Donation appreciated towards Language Department Resources.
Annual Grandparents' Day
Friday 7 September • 8.40am - 11.30am Willkommen Bienvenue Welcome!
Bookings are essential for catering purposes by Monday 3 September www.trybooking.com/WGGP Light morning tea provided. For assistance please contact Nicky on 6770 1700
In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
Annual
Starry Night
of Music
To celebrate the music of PLC Armidale
You're invited to our
Friday 7 September • 6.00pm - 7.30pm NECOM (New England Conservatorium) Purchase tickets by Monday 3 September at www.trybooking.com/WGGE Adults $15 • Children $10 • Family $30
Annual
Grandparents' Day02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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HAVE YOU REGISTERED WITH YOUR FREE DIGITAL NOTICE BOARD? The site is FREE to use for parents and schools benefit from commercial advertising revenue which is shared directly with member schools for internal fundraising.
www.schoolnoticesoz.com
Supporting school fundraising through communication georgie@schoolnoticesoz.com + 61(0)419 402 666 kate@schoolnoticesoz.com +61(0)474 850 540 02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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5:30pm for 6pm start
ASTRA ARTS CENTRE PLC ARMIDALE
TICKETS
$5.00 pp Including a light supper provided by the PLC Armidale P&F
RSVP
Purchase tickets online www.trybooking.com/WLRH
ENQUIRIES
02 6770 1700
development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Paula Goode, Pastoral Care Coordinator
The care and wellbeing of our students is as equally important as academic success. All staff at PLC Armidale are charged with the responsibility of caring for the students, however at times, more specialised support is required. Special events have been organised for all students Years 7 to 12 that focus on areas that have been recommended as appropriate and relevant to the stages of life these girls are currently at and the challenges some may face. The last week of term 2, Years 11 & 12 listened to Kate Fitzsimons - Resilience and Travel Safe seminars. Kate asked the girls to think about taking responsibility for their own actions and being aware of the risks they may take under peer pressure or in various situations that they may find themselves in now and in the near future. She left them with a beautiful quote ‘We all have things happen in our lives that we wouldn’t have necessarily written for ourselves. That doesn’t mean we can’t still weave it to become a beautiful part of our story.’
During Term 3 Years 7 & 8 Middle Adolescent Days Incursion Wednesday to Friday, Week 1 Year Patron (Staff) - Staying Connected Workshop in Tamworth, Thursday 26 July
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care Events
Years 9-10 Danielle Miller Presentation plus Parent forum, Week 3 Year 12 Exam preparation and coping with exam stress Year 11 Gearing up for Leadership and 2019 Prefect Election Process Keep tuned in for photos and feedback from each of these events in future Lion’s Roar articles.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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EDUCATION/LEARNING
insights Five forgotten skill sets that contribute to student success by Michael Grose
At a time when we hear a great deal about growth mindsets, good mental health habits and creating digitally savvy students, we can easily overlook the skill sets that form the building blocks of long-term school success. These are skill sets that are also easily forgotten when we narrow our focus onto numeracy, literacy, performing arts, STEM and other academic areas. While all these other mental skills and academic areas are important, the skills I want to focus on here are ones that can be taught, or at the very least drawn out, alongside every other skill when we as parents and teachers know what to look for. Following are five skill sets that contribute massively to overall student success and contentedness at school. 1. Friendship skills The ability to get along with others is hugely important for children and teenagers. Those students with a strong set of friendship skills are easy to like, easy to relate to and easy to play with. The skills they possess include knowing how to win and lose well, how to approach others to join in a group and how to lead rather than boss. 2. Organisational skills The ability to organise your time, your space, your items and other aspects of your life is a massive plus for any student. The best way to help children who are organisationally challenged is to introduce them to systems and processes to help them organise themselves. These processes include the use of visual reminders, anchoring (i.e. linking new behaviours to habitual behaviours) and the mapping out of activities. 3. Optimism skills It may seem strange to see optimism as skill set, but as leading psychologist Professor Martin Seligman discovered through his research, optimism can be taught. Seligman found that while some children are more inclined by nature to see a glass as half empty than half full, all children are capable of developing an optimistic explanatory style through exposure and direct teaching. The skills of optimism include being aware of self-talk, reframing negative events into positive events and the practice of perspective-taking.
We're a Parenting Ideas school
parentingideas.com.au/schools
4. Coping skills Kids will generally face a number of challenges during the course of their school lives including overcoming the disappointment of not being picked on a team, working their way through difficult learning situations and dealing with rejection. The impact of these challenges will depend on each kid’s own spirit, the support they receive and their coping skills. The good news is that coping skills can be taught or, at the very least, encouraged if adults know what to focus on. Coping strategies include parking problems for a while, normalising difficult situations and accepting and moving on. Some kids will use coping strategies quite naturally, while others need parental and teacher input to help them cope with even seemingly minor challenges. 5. Relaxation skills The ability to relax and get away from it all is vital for the maintenance of mental health, which in turn affects a student’s ability to perform. Many of today’s kids live with pressure. That pressure needs to be released through relaxation and play, otherwise it can lead to anxiety and other mental illnesses. The ability to relax and unwind is paramount to your child’s school success. Relaxation techniques include mindfulness and meditation, participating in hobbies and enjoying creative pursuits. These skills are part developmental and part environmental. That is, kids will naturally develop many of them as they mature but the skills also need to be nurtured environmentally. They need to be recognised, encouraged, taught and modelled by adults who children and teenagers respect and admire. That makes parents and teachers ‘Very Important People’ in the process of acquiring them.
Michael Grose Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.
We're a Parenting Ideas school
parentingideas.com.au/schools
MUSIC & DRAMA
Regional Youth Orchestra In the holidays from 9 - 13 July, PLC students Elinor Warwick, Claire Warwick, Sophia Mackson and Lucy Quast travelled to Sydney to participate in RYO (Reginal Youth Orchestra). All students had to audition to be offered an orchestral position and the 4 day event consisted of students playing complex music such as Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony and excerpts from the Opera 'Aida'. We played these works at the Sydney Conservatorium and the Sydney Opera House and enjoyed exclusive access to the backstage and workings of the Sydney Opera House as well as performing with one of the Tenor Principal leads from the cast of 'Aida'. This was an amazing experience which I would unreservedly recommend that all musical students audition for. Lucy Quast
Sophia, Elinor, Clare, and Lucy
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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MUSIC & DRAMA
In-house Concert The Term Three In House Concert was held on Wednesday 25 July with 21 girls performing and the standard of performance was very high. This concert will was a very good performance practice opportunity for the girls as they are preparing for their AMEB exams. Thank you to parent helpers Ali Dare and Lisa Quast for your assistance with the fine catering and pre-concert drinks. Thank you also to Robyn Bradley and Li Ling Chen for your fine accompaniments throughout the evening. Congratulations to all of the girls on your fine performances.
Matthew Minter, Director of Music
Eisteddfod results Speech and Drama 2018 - Apologies, these were missed last Lion's Roar Kaitlin Mungall: IMPROV. DUO - 1st Place / SPACE JUMP - 1st Place / PROSE - 2nd Place DRAMATIC EXTRACT - 3rd Place / CHARACTER SKETCH - Highly Commended
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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EVENTS
AUGUST Kindergarten / Junior School Orientation Friday 3 August • 8.30am - 10.30am Followed by morning tea. Friday 24 August • 8.30am - 3.30pm Followed by afternoon tea. Friday 24 August • 5.30pm - 6.30pm Presenting our approach to literacy (THRASS Reggio Emilia) Friday 26 October • 5.30pm - 6.30pm 'Eat & Beat' - A fun afternoon/evening of food and creative arts for all! RSVP juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
2018 Wellness Series
Raising Amazing Girls with Dannielle Miller
Wednesday 8 August 2018 • 5.30pm Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale www.trybooking.com/WLRH Tickets $5pp including a light supper provided by the PLC Armidale P&F Enquires 02 6770 1700 • development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
SEPTEMBER Tour de Rocks is excited to announce its new Wellness Series in 2018. Annual Grandparents' Day
Tour de Rocks is committed to engaging and inspiring communities to raise awareness in relation to wellness and cancer Friday 7the September 8.40am - 11.30am prevention, assisting those battling disease,•and raising funds for cancer research. Bookings are essential for catering purposes by Monday 3 September www.trybooking.com/WGGP
Fundraising screening 'The Connection’ - A documentary featuring world leading experts in mind body medicine Light morning tea provided. For assistance please contact Nicky on 6770 1700 and remarkable true stories of healing. Tuesday 14th August, 2018 - 5:30pm for a 6pm start (70 minute film) at the TAS Hoskins Centre, The Armidale School
Starry Night
‘Mind Body Connection for Wellness and Peak Performance’ A/Prof. Craig Hassed, Mindfulness Coordinator Monash University Annual of Music Thursday 23rd August, 2018 - 5:30pm for a 6pm Start - Please join us for networking and canapés To celebrate the music of PLC Armidale at the TAS Hoskins Centre, The Armidale School Friday 7 September 2018 • 6.00pm - 7.30pm NECOM (New England Conservatorium)
Purchase tickets by Monday 3 September at Craig www.trybooking.com/WGGE Mindfulness-based Stress Management - Half-day Workshop A/Prof. Hassed, Mindfulness Coordinator Monash University Adults $15 • Children $10 • Family $30 25th You'reSaturday invited to ourAugust, 2018 - 8am-11:30am at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse, Marsh Street
Annual Entry by donation to Tour de Rocks Charity
Grandparents' Day For enquires, please contact Events and Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster AT2018 EVENTBRITE.COM.AU FridayREGISTER 7events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au September 8.45am to 11.30am https://www.eventbrite.com.au/ Bookings are essential for catering purposes by Monday 3 September at:
www.trybooking.com/WGGP
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Duty Mistress positions available
Headspace is a National Youth Mental Health Organisation. Free, self-referred counselling to young people aged 12-25 with a focus on their overall well-being. For further information please contact:
Laura Murray 02 6738 7216 • l.murray@centacarenenw.com.au Centacare building, 150 Rusden Street Armidale
Sometimes, we all need someone different to talk to.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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