EX-STUDENTS’ NEWS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Crested ware aside, in this momentous year in PLC Sydney's history, it is fitting to reflect on how we all play a role in the rich tapestry of its history. I was a student for 13 of the College's 135-year history, which seems like a drop in the ocean, but in my own 31-year history, it was certainly significant. I feel deeply honoured to have shaped - even in a small way - and been shaped by the College, and it is a privilege as an ex-student to celebrate our school's milestone.

I recently experienced the adrenaline rush of purchasing one of our school's limited edition commemorative bears, "Evelyn", to add to my collection of PLC Sydney bears and dolls (tragic, I know). It was unthinkable that I could miss out on such a keepsake!

Whenever I walk through the school grounds, I admittedly feel quite envious of our current students for enjoying many new facilities which did not exist during my time as a student. Hamilton and the Macindoe Research Centre (and of course its cafe) are the developments which particularly strike a chord with me. I also often wonder if the Invertebrate House had existed during my time as a student, whether I would be more comfortable around certain wildlife! I am not alone in feeling like I have "missed out" on certain novel aspects of the College. When I catch up with ex-students at events such as Jersey Day and Open Day, our conversations often centre around what we did not have, rather than what we did enjoy. It is remiss of us to forget the impressive infrastructure that was built during our school years; in my time, the JD Oates Aquatic Institute and the Audrey Keown Theatre were notable developments - admittedly, my strengths lay in making more use of the latter than the former...

I wish to acknowledge on behalf of the Ex-Students, the steadfast leadership of Dr Burgis, College Council and the Executive Team. We thank you for your ongoing custodianship of our much loved school, preserving and enhancing its reputation to ensure ex-students feel proud to be PLC Sydney girls for life. Our school always seems to strike the right balance between offering an innovative approach to educating young women (our school was named one of the world's 100 most innovative schools), whilst also upholding the values and traditions of the College which have always held us in good stead. Although I have been blessed with sons, who will not have the opportunity to enjoy a PLC Sydney education, our school's ongoing reputation is the very reason I continue to give back and feel particularly honoured to do so in my capacity as President of the Ex-Students - especially during such a significant year in the College's history. I encourage all ex-students - particularly if you have not returned to the College for some time - to reacquaint and rekindle your love for your school through the events planned for this year, many of which have already proven so far to be magnificent. See you back at school.