Boarders’ gain job-ready skills at school

22 BOARDERS’ GAIN JOB-READY SKILLS AT SCHOOL

Set within five hectares of manicured gardens and courtyards, PLC Sydney’s Boarding House is home to girls from Years 7 to 12.

The girls benefit from being located in the heart of the school, with easy access to before and after school activities—they could be in the pool or on the tennis court before school or rehearsing in the Performing

Arts Centre after school. With a co-curricular program offering more than 50 activities in the Senior School, there is something for everyone at PLC Sydney. In years past, Boarders were often at a disadvantage when they left school and looked for employment while undertaking further study or starting out in their chosen career. Living on campus throughout their senior years meant they were unable to secure after school or weekend jobs. However, as many aspects of boarding life have evolved over time, so too has this. PLC Sydney Boarders who are 16 years and over, have the opportunity to participate in paid work on the College grounds before and after school. Possibilities include working with Junior School students in Before School Care, assisting at the Tutoring Centre, helping the swimming coaches at the pool and supporting the Gymnastics program. Apart from earning pocket money, there are many benefits for the girls. “Working on campus really gives the girls an opportunity for personal growth. They learn job skills and how to communicate with colleagues in a team environment. I see them grow in confidence as they take on more responsibility. Year 10 Boarder Bronte Runciman runs her own cake making and decorating business baking_bronte. The girls have to be reliable and if they are unable to attend their allocated shift, they have to find a suitable replacement—the girls understand that people are relying on them,” says “The College has been really supportive in Director of Boarding Ms Pauline Turner. allowing me to move my business to school. Year 10 Boarder, Bronte Runciman, from Comobella in They even put in a small oven within the House northern NSW, so that I can bake on the weekends” loves to bake. In fact she has her own cake making and decorating business that she runs off her at the school. That’s just definitely something that she’d never be able to do at home”, said Nadine. Instagram page baking_bronte. Ms Turner says that Bronte’s cakes are beautiful. “I think all our “The College has been really students get inspired by watching girls achieve their dreams. supportive in allowing me to move For some girls, they watch for a while and then they’ll try things. my business to school. They even It’s just a matter of seeing there are options out there for them put in a small oven within the House to take up.” so that I can bake on the weekends” says Bronte. “The opportunity for paid employment on College grounds allows the students to work in a safe environment, learning Bronte’s Mum, Nadine, has been skills that will set them up for employment once they leave blown away by the opportunities school. Being able to add these skills to their resume allows available at the school. “Bronte’s doing an elective called them to gain part-time work while attending university or Enterprise, so earlier this year she was able to have a stall. assists in developing their career post-secondary school.” She actually baked 200 cupcakes and 100 macarons and iced cookies in the Boarding House and then sold them at a stall