Black Watch Semester 1 2024

Learning Takes Many Paths

Bechstein

World’s Greatest Shave

Building Bikes for Foster Care WA

Dynamic Duos at Boarders’ Ball

Celebrating National Boarding Week

IPSHA Performing Arts Festival Sport Report Head of the River State and National Achievements Australian Rowing Championships

OCA President’s Report

OCA Welcome Breakfast

IGSSA Old Girls’ Tennis Competition

OCA Art Exhibition

OCA Easter Service and High Tea

Message from the Principal

Bringing the Strategic Plan to Life

I am proud to bring you this edition of Black Watch which showcases examples of just how we are bringing our Strategic Plan Towards 2030 to life. The launch of PLC’s Future Anything programme in Term 1 on page 8 is a poignant example of how we are equipping our students with the futurefocussed skills to be personally successful in an evolving world.

This programme is the brain child of Nicole Dyson, a multiaward-winning educator and entrepreneur, and a global authority on project-based learning and youth entrepreneurship. This programme presents social entrepreneurship as an opportunity to allow young people to thrive. Entrepreneurship in a school setting is dependent on opportunities for project-based learning, design thinking and student agency, and to create space for young people to tackle issues that are important to them. Design thinking and project-based learning are critical for young people and the future is not going to be based on ‘what’ they know, but on knowing what to do with what they know.

Nicole Dyson has rightly stated, “if we only educate our girls to absorb content and answer questions, we are not preparing them for the future”. At PLC, we work to develop an enterprising mindset in our students. In an enterprising classroom, project-based-learning, entrepreneurial pedagogy, and human centred design are essential.

Our front cover celebrates our newly gifted C. Bechstein Concert Grand Piano as an extraordinary addition to PLC Perth’s musical resources. Students have already begun learning and performing on this world-class instrument and we were fortunate enough experience some incredible performances during the Junior School and Senior School Piano Recitals earlier in the year. This addition not only enhances the college’s current Music programme, but will also enrich the experiences of students for decades to come. You can read more on page 6.

It is also with great pleasure that I announce two new roles of Dean of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care and also Dean of Experiential Learning. These new roles will continue the work of embedding wellbeing into the pastoral and academic care framework, offering extended support to both students and staff in this space. Find out which PLC staff members will bring their wisdom and experience to these roles from Term 3 on page 19.

Cate Begbie Principal

Chair of Council Launch of the Master Plan

I feel incredibly humbled to contribute my first message as the Chair of Council for this edition of Black Watch. As the sixteenth Chair of Council, the fifth female Chair, and the second Old Collegian since the Hon June Craig AM more than 25 years ago, I hope to follow in her footsteps – and those who have come before me – and leave an indelible legacy at PLC in service to our College.

It has been with great privilege that, at the beginning of Term 2, after many months of work, including expert consultation, learning environment observations, human movement pattern analysis, building audits, and community engagement, the College published its new Master Plan.

More than bricks and mortar, the plan builds on an existing foundation, integrating ecologically sustainable development principles to envisage a future campus that will foster the potential of every student through ambition and creativity.

The world around us is evolving at pace, driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changing environmental landscapes. With our rich history and unwavering dedication to excellence, PLC has always strived to be at the forefront of educational innovation.

A critical element in achieving this is ensuring we strategically plan for infrastructure and facilities that support our mission. At PLC Perth, this is to provide a broad, stimulating, and balanced education in a diverse and dynamic school community.

Through open dialogue, shared ideas, and collaborative efforts, we will build a learning environment that empowers future generations to become compassionate, adaptable, and responsible global citizens.

Our campus Master Plan holistically aligns with our overall Strategic Plan and considers educational trends, environmental impacts, and enrolment growth. It strongly

reflects the importance of street presence to ensure an engaged public interface and gives strong attention to how we may strengthen the provision of outdoor space for play and learning, while developing opportunities for purposeful links through a green corridor between the Junior and Senior School campuses.

While the full plan is potentially a ten-year programme of development, we are excited that the first of the smaller projects, a new Junior School outdoor learning and play space is being scoped, anticipated to commence towards the end of 2024.

This is an exciting time for the College, and I encourage our community to read more about our short-term, medium-term, and major projects for our wonderful Peppermint Grove campus between the river and the sea.

Morgen Lewis Chair of Council

Chaplain’s Address

Unveiling Life’s Beauty in Every Thread

In the grand tapestry of life, imperfection serves as a vibrant thread, intricately weaving through our experiences, adding depth and richness to our existence. Life isn’t always perfect, and that’s perfectly alright. Imperfection is akin to a colourful thread interwoven into our experiences, reminding us that the pursuit of perfection is like chasing a rainbow – always present but forever just beyond our grasp. It’s a truth we encounter repeatedly: life is imperfect, and so are we

Drawing upon the teachings of renowned philosophers like Aristotle and Kant, we come to understand that perfection is not a static state but rather a dynamic process – a journey rather than a destination. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “human flourishing” or “living well,” encompasses the idea of achieving the highest level of fulfillment and happiness in life. It involves living virtuously and realising one’s full potential, leading to a state of genuine contentment and wellbeing.

According to Aristotle, eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human existence, and it is attained through the cultivation of virtues such as courage, wisdom, temperance, and justice. Essentially, eudaimonia is about living a life of purpose and excellence, aligning one’s actions with one’s true nature and striving for the highest good. Similarly, Kant’s idea of the “highest good” emphasises the moral striving for goodness over the attainment of perfection.

This philosophical foundation challenges us to re-evaluate our relationship with imperfection. Instead of viewing it as a flaw or shortcoming, we learn to embrace it as an integral part of the human experience – a vital aspect of our journey toward growth, self-discovery, and enlightenment.

However, in embracing imperfection, we must not lose sight of the pursuit of excellence. While perfection may elude us, excellence is within our grasp through dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

As we navigate life’s intricate maze, let us endeavour for excellence in all our endeavours – not as a quest for flawlessness, but as a pursuit of our highest potential.

In embracing imperfection while pursuing excellence, we discover the profound beauty of the human experience – a fabric woven with threads of vulnerability, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

As we embark on this journey, let us draw inspiration from the words of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With faith as our guide and philosophical wisdom as our compass, may we each be inspired to pursue excellence in our own unique way, contributing to the world with our talents, our passions, and our unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Rev Nalin Perera Chaplain

Learning Takes Many Paths

Bechstein Elevates Musical Excellence at PLC

In the world of music, few instruments hold as much prestige as a Bechstein piano. Renowned for its exceptional sound quality, it has been favoured by some of the most famous pianists in history. Many iconic songs have been recorded on this piano – from Adele’s Skyfall, The Beatles’ Hey Jude, and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

PLC Perth is delighted to have recently acquired a C. Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, an extraordinary addition to PLC Perth’s musical resources. While there are older Bechsteins already in Australia, this top of the range new Concert Grand model of Bechstein piano is possibly the only one of its calibre in Australia. PLC is proud to join the likes of both the Julliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London to showcase this instrument. This addition not only enhances the college’s Music programme now but will also enrich the experiences of students for decades to come.

Kaitlyn Sin, a Year 11 ATAR Music student and talented pianist, has praised the Bechstein for its playability and exceptional sound quality. She finds it particularly impressive for its balance of power and delicacy.

“It felt so light, yet still so richly colourful, especially in the lower register. The balance of the sound is simply unparalleled – it possesses immense power in its dynamics while maintaining a delicate tone,” Kaitlyn said.

Principal, Ms Cate Begbie, expressed her gratitude to the anonymous donor who donated the funds to purchase the piano. “It is such a significant addition to PLC Perth’s purpose-built music building. When selecting a piano, we became aware of the allure of the Bechstein from the most important music conservatories and academies around the world. This world-class instrument is a fantastic addition and further secures the culture of musical excellence at PLC.”

Proms Quarry Concert

The Quarry Concert is more than a musical spectacle at PLC, it is a celebration of community and the PLC spirit in its purest and most entertaining form.

In March, the Quarry Amphitheatre came alive with over 200 talented students from the Senior School performing in front of a sold-out crowd.

As the Wind Ensemble, Stravinsky Orchestra, Stage Band, Vocal Ensemble, Concert Band, Senior Pipe Band, Development Pipe Band, Young Voices, Bartok Orchestra, and Chorale, filled the air with melodies, each performance touched hearts and lifted spirits.

But the magic didn’t stop there. The audience got in on the action too! There was a moment that had everyone cheering as Prof Britta Regli-Von UngernSternberg, a Year 8 mum, was called upon to don boxing gloves and dashed up the steps, channeling the iconic scene from the movie Rocky as the Stage Band belted out the theme song Gonna Fly Now.

Devil of the Second Stairs

One of PLC’s strategic pillars, Learning Takes Many Paths, has been encapsulated perfectly by the Years 11 and 12 production of The Devil of the Second Stairs.

Students formed both the cast and crew and extended themselves in this thrilling portrayal of priory nuns in a moody spectacle that chilled and moved audiences.

Among the esteemed guests during the three days of showings, was Kimberley Shaw from Stage Whispers. She reviewed the performance, which alone is a great opportunity for cast, crew, as well as first-time Director, Ms Carli Edwards under the tutelage of Mr Oliver Craze, Head of Dance and Drama.

For many students, taking part in a Senior School production is enough of a step outside their comfort zone, let alone performing in a horror – a genre not often explored by schools.

PLC’s rhetoric is to explore new opportunities and try new things as seen in the way they performed in an unconventional genre and stretched themselves beyond what they thought possible. Read the review

Future Anything

At the end of Term 1, two groups of Year 8 students took part in the week-long Future Anything programme – a first at PLC and in WA and kindly funded by PLC Parents. Each group honed their entrepreneurial skills and designed innovative solutions for real-world issues. From reef-saving buoys to sun safety tablets, their creativity knew no bounds.

Students participated in an entrepreneurship workshop that culminated in pitching their innovative, scalable, and sustainable business solutions to a panel of judges during a showcase event.

Replacing regular curriculum for a week, experienced and engaging facilitators began by having students look inward at personal passions and lived experiences to form teams united in tackling a common problem.

From here, students used design thinking methodology and cutting-edge entrepreneurial tools to ideate, prototype, and business model their solutions.

Mentors within the community supported students throughout the week and the whole programme culminated with a final day’s ‘Showcase’ and ‘Shark Tank’.

Some of the incredible solutions pitched included a Reef Aid (a moving buoy to cool reefs and stop coral bleaching), an app to help teenagers cope with social issues, a toothpaste to stop vaping addiction, a sun safety tablet for everyday use, a supplement tablet for cows that can be put in water troughs, allowing cows to consume less water with no health risks during drought, and a Gumbot (a drone monitoring koalas to ensure their survival during bushfires, with a fire-retardant paint that can be sprayed on trees).

From the feedback gathered after the programme, students felt they learned “skills to pitch ideas, present things, and create new solutions”, “how to bounce back from setbacks”, and “how to manage projects and manage people...in everyday life at school”.

Celebrating Maths in the Junior School

Did you know that 14 June is a special day in the world of Mathematics? Not only is it Einstein’s birthday, it’s Pi Day, and International Maths Day.

To celebrate, the Junior School participated in a special maths-themed activity day commencing with a photo of the students standing in the formation of a Pi symbol.

They then broke into small groups and took part in a number of maths activities. Some of these activities including making Pi bead bracelets, body maths investigations and hexaflexagons, a maths scavenger hunt, investigating the mobius strip, and a series of matchstick challenges.

Head of Junior School, Mrs Geraldine Drabble, said that encouraging a positive attitude towards maths is key in nurturing an interest in STEM careers. Events like International Maths Day play a vital role in fostering this positive outlook on maths and supports the strategic pillar, Learning Takes Many Paths.

“International Maths Day is not just about fun and games; it’s about promoting a deeper understanding of mathematics and its relevance in our everyday lives. Plus it is an opportunity to bring our Junior School community together,” Mrs Drabble said.

Year 10 Careers Day

Every year, Year 10 students have a difficult decision to make when they choose which subjects and which pathway they would like to take in Years 11 and 12.

These decisions were made easier this year with the Year 10 Careers Day for which PLC invited Old Collegians, parents, and members of the PLC community to showcase the variety of possible career pathways.

Students were able to hear from professionals from a variety of industries including agriculture and natural resources, architecture and construction, business management, finance and administration, arts, marketing and communication, health science, information technology, law and public safety, and science and engineering.

More on this event can be found on page 34.

Class of 2023 Academic Results

52%

Lead Authentically

Semester 1 2024 Leaders

Milla Roberts

Head Prefect

Ruby Leighton

Reconciliation Leader

Azura Koren

Baird House Leader

Georgia Day

Ferguson House Leader

Dinuli Kariyakarawana

Stewart House Leader

Auretta Qaqish

Head Prefect

Eloise Lynn

Reconciliation Leader

Ishana Hanrahan

Baird House Leader

Nila Regli

Ferguson House Leader

Hannah Lemin

Stewart House Leader

Rose Fox Illyse Vincent

Service Leader (Environmental)

Madeleine Rees

Service Leader (Community)

Cece Hatch

Carmichael House Leader

Leader

Lucia Bennett Arts Leader

Sophie Higgins

Carmichael House Leader

Phoebe Hood Ava Jefferys

McNeil House Leader

Agustina Villanueva Astorga

Summers House Leader

“We couldn’t be prouder of how each student leader has taken on their leadership role, demonstrating our PLC Values of Integrity, Effort, Learning, and Community. These students have been exemplary role models for our younger students.”

Geraldine Drabble HeadofJuniorSchool

McNeil House Leader

Eva Bruna Lalic

Summers House Leader

Vertical House Tutor Groups

Vertical House Tutor Groups (VTG) is a new initiative driven by PLC’s House Captains and Student Council. Instead of students meeting in groups defined by House and year (eg Summers Year 8), this new structure includes students from all year groups, allowing students to build connections and is an opportunity for older students to have an active role in mentoring and guiding younger students.

Jessica Nixon | Baird House Captain

As one of the House Captains for 2024, I have had the privilege of overseeing Vertical House Tutor Groups as a new initiative. I personally have found that the younger girls are loving having a ‘big sister’ that they can chat to in an everyday setting. We all hope this continues to grow as girls build new connections over the years.

Ava Gillies | Carmichael House Captain

The Vertical House Tutor Group has been a successful initiative so far and has allowed our Houses to create close knit and inclusive environments. This, in turn, ensures everyone in the House feels they are a part of a community. I think this is important and ensures everyone at PLC feels valued and provides the opportunity to build close relationships across different year groups.

Isabelle Early | Ferguson House Captain

The aim of this initiative is to build a cohesive and supportive environment and to foster deeper connections within each of the Houses. Our plan is for this to continue in the years to come as it will continue to encourage interconnectedness between the year groups which highlights the principles of the VTG concept.

Lucy Rodda | McNeil House Captain

What I have seen so far is that students from the younger years are more confident in talking to and interacting with the older years, which is making environments such as House meetings more comfortable and community-oriented. During a recent House Meeting, a group of Year 10s came up to me stating it was “the best idea ever”. I hope future captains continue to see these positive outcomes for many years to come.

Nirmali Madigasekara | Ross House Captain

As one of the House Captains, I have found the Vertical House Tutor Group initiative to be highly engaging and impactful, nurturing a sense of community and collaboration.

It’s resulted in a positive shift in school culture, which I believe will lead to a more inclusive and supportive environment within PLC.

Zara Ball | Stewart House Captain

It has been excellent to see our collaborative initiative of the Vertical House Tutor Groups come to life this term. By meeting up with a group of girls from different years each week, I have been able to create stronger connections with others outside of my year. It has been very fulfilling hearing and learning about the interests of the younger girls and what they love to get involved in at school. In the future, I believe this programme will be pivotal in strengthening cohesion and culture within each House.

Tatum Ryan | Summers House Captain

Since implementing Vertical House Tutor Groups, I have already seen an amazing shift within the House. It has been such a great way to get to know the younger girls in the House and each girl now has a connection with another in a different year, which I believe is extremely vital throughout our time at PLC.

Learning Leadership at yLead

By Mateya Browne and Lily Rumpus (Year 9)

In May, we joined seven other students at the yLead Altitude Day excursion where we got to hear from many motivational speakers about their leadership journey and how they have reached their goals. One of which was Young Australian of the Year, Kate Kirwin. We also heard from Maisara Muzaffar and Jack Anderson who shared their journeys to success as leaders.

During the day, we learned that leadership is so much more than just guiding and inspiring. We are all leaders, whether it’s just putting your hand up in class, helping a friend, or just being courageous. Leadership is actions taken to showcase who you are and how you make the world a better place.

Students Inform Strategic Change

A major focus in education today is improving student voice in school strategic direction and PLC has been leading the charge in providing opportunities for students to be involved in the strategic direction of the College.

At a recent Council Strategy meeting, working groups were formed made up of Council Members, Members of the Senior Leadership Team, and students of all ages to ensure diversity of ideas.

The students were invited to provide their insight on nine strategic areas of focus, as well as to develop their leadership skills and to provide an opportunity to discuss strategic issues with people at a council level.

Did the girls agree with the College on what ‘success’ looks like, and did the students agree the College was progressing? Were there any gaps or, from a student perspective, were there any things that the College hadn’t taken into consideration? Their answers were illuminating!

The students were also engaged in blue-sky thinking –outside of the nine areas, did they have any big ideas that they would like the College to look at?

We encourage everyone to take that one courageous step, continue to be role models, and leaders, and chase your dreams and goals. We all only have a certain number of days on earth so we need a purpose and a dream. Work out what drives you and do that; find what you’re passionate about and take action. All a dream takes to become a reality is to just start. That’s what a leader is –someone who takes action and takes that first step.

What do they believe are the biggest challenges facing young people today and how can the school environment support them to successfully face these challenges?

It was an interesting, engaging, and beneficial experience for all involved, and the College will continue to find opportunities for students to regularly discuss the big issues they face.

Australian Education Awards

PLC Perth has been shortlisted as an Excellence Awardee/ Finalist in an incredible three categories in the 2024 Australian Education Awards.

PLC has been recognised in the category of Primary School Teacher of the Year (Non Government) with Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs Nicole Vander Vinne being selected as an incredibly deserving finalist.

The category of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non Government) includes none other than PLC’s Chinese Teacher, Ms Jia Liao who has also been recognised as an Excellence Awardee.

The Best Strategic Plan rounds out the finalists with the winners announced at a ceremony in August in Sydney.

Principal Cate Begbie said, “ I am so proud that PLC Perth has been recognised nationally for the expertise and dedication of our teaching staff as well as the future direction of our College as reflected by the Best Strategic Plan nomination.”

The Australian Education Awards adjudicators agreed that Mrs Vander Vinne provides the essence of exceptional Early Years education. With a passion for nurturing young minds, she goes above and beyond to provide personalised learning experiences that lay the foundation for a child’s educational journey.

Mrs Nicole Vander Vinne is more than just a teacher; she is a dedicated educator, mentor, and advocate for young children. Her unwavering commitment to personalised, nurturing education sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning.

She embodies warmth, patience, and adaptability, and creates a nurturing environment in which each child feels valued and supported in their unique developmental journey.

Through creative and engaging activities, Mrs Vander Vinne fosters curiosity and a love for learning, tailoring her approach to meet individual needs, and prioritising social-emotional development, teaching empathy, and communication skills alongside academics.

With keen observation skills, individual areas of strength and growth are identified, providing personalised guidance to each child. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, collaborating closely with parents to ensure continuity of care and learning.

Mrs Vander Vinne connects the home environment with the school setting, recognising the parents’ integral role in a child’s development. By fostering strong partnerships with parents, Mrs Vander Vinne ensures that each child’s needs and interests are understood and supported at home and in the classroom.

PLC is delighted that Mrs Vander Vinne has been recognised this year in the category of Primary School Teacher of the Year (Non Government).

Mrs Nicole Vander Vinne

Ms Jia Liao

Ms Jia Liao teaches Chinese from Year 3 to Year 12, balancing care and concern for her students with passion for her subject and high expectations for students’ learning. A knowledgeable and skilled practitioner in teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Ms Liao is adept at differentiating her curriculum for beginning language learners through to those who are studying as Chinese Background Speakers or as First Language speakers, ensuring all students are challenged appropriately.

Ms Liao has worked closely with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), providing task samples for Years 7-10 to aid them in their curriculum and assessment review and has been heavily involved in the inception and development of the Western Australian Chinese First Language ATAR programme. A passion project for Ms Liao, she has worked tirelessly to create an engaging course that allows students to excel. Her dedication to her students resulted in their ATAR performance being 25% above the state average for the course in 2023, with one student achieving 100% on the ATAR examination. This is more notable as this is only her third year of teaching this course. An excellent team player, Ms Liao is highly collaborative with her colleagues and is skilled in mentoring new team members.

Ms Liao has been particularly instrumental in engaging parents and families of our Chinese speaking students in College life, working particularly effectively to promote cultural awareness. She has supported her Head of Department in hosting a range of events, notably the annual celebration of Chinese New Year and also the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival; events which have grown in scope and popularity in recent years. In response to parental requests, she has initiated a before-school extension club for Chinese Background Speakers in our Junior School to enable them to practise and celebrate their language skills so that they maintain them as they move towards our Senior School.

Ms Liao recognises that language is constantly adapting and changing. As a result, she regularly undertakes professional reading to ensure she keeps up-to-date with the latest trends in Chinese language. She is able to make the most of her strong relationships with the Chinese community and, in particular, our international Chinese students to ensure that she stays up-to-date with changes in idiomatic expression. She also makes regular use of the WeChat app to stay connected to social and cultural developments and regularly sources and shares articles from Chinese newspapers on topics such as social and environmental change.

An extremely collaborative teacher, Ms Liao works closely with her Head of Department, the Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinators, Learning Enrichment Co-ordinator, and Academic Extension Co-ordinator problem-solving to ensure that students’ learning needs are met and that individual needs are catered for. She differentiates to cater for beginning and ongoing Chinese learners within the same class and has established a regular practice of having work stations around her classroom, targeting students’ needs and abilities with increasing levels of challenge and difficulty.

Her dedication to her students resulted in their ATAR performance being 25% above the state average for the course in 2023, with one student achieving 100% on the ATAR examination.

One of the challenges facing Chinese language teachers is that the number of students studying the subject across Western Australia is quite low, particularly at ATAR level. This makes professional development and professional networking challenging. Ms Liao is secretary of the Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Western Australia. She has been particularly involved in helping to determine the professional development needs of the organisation’s members and has organised professional development sessions for Years 11 and 12 teachers around question design and marking to assist teachers across WA.

PLC congratulates Ms Liao on her Excellence Awardee nomination in the category of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non Government).

Year 12 Ball

It was a carnival-themed fiesta for the Year 12 cohort early in February with the first of their milestone events –the Year 12 Ball.

Students and their guests walked the red carpet and enjoyed a mocktail before being ceremoniously piped into the ballroom for a night they will never forget.

Traditional Brazilian performers including drummers and dancers provided the entertainment throughout the night, as did the DJ.

The tables were lovingly decorated by PLC parents with bright, colourful feathers and guests were transported into a Rio de Janeiro-style event full of colour and dancing.

Lunar New Year

February also saw families uniting to embrace the Year of the Dragon at PLC’s vibrant annual Lunar New Year event.

Throughout the afternoon, there was Chinese calligraphy, lantern-making, and mesmerising performances on the guzheng and dulcimer, courtesy of incredibly talented PLC Senior School and Junior School students.

Mouthwatering dumplings, spring rolls, and other Chinese delights were incredibly popular as the community came together with PLC staff to celebrate the most significant event on the Chinese calendar.

“Our Lunar New Year celebration grows each and every year and we are so fortunate to be able to come together during this significant time,”

Ms Cate Begbie, PLC Principal.

International Women’s Day

The whole school celebrated International Women’s Day with an inspiring breakfast for alumnae, staff, and PLC families on Friday 8 March. Distinguished Old Collegians including Julia Schortinghuis (Osborne 1989), Sally McGregor (Legge 1985), and Antigone Miller (2022) joined Head Prefect, Jacinta Boquest, and Deputy Head Prefect, Charlotte Gishubl, for an informative and inspiring panel event.

Exploring this year’s theme of ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’, Julia Schortinghuis, who is currently the Director at Lighthouse Capital, offered invaluable insights into the significance of mentorship, highlighting its transformative impact on her professional journey within the finance industry.

Sally McGregor, Co-founder and Director of We Are Feel Good Inc., emphasised the importance of turning mistakes into opportunities – fostering growth and resilience.

Antigone Miller, a prospective Oxford University student, motivated the audience to aspire towards greatness and believe in their potential by simply putting your hand up for something previously thought out of reach.

The resounding message of the event? Believe in yourself, embrace courage, and never underestimate your ability to overcome challenges on your path to success!

Council Leadership Opportunities for New Dean Roles

Students thrive when they are physically fit, mentally strong, and emotionally well, which is why wellbeing underpins everything the College does. When the PLC Lighthouse was opened in 2018, the role of Director of Wellbeing was created to build and curate programmes to support student’s wellbeing, resilience, and mental fitness. In this role, Ms Chonny James created some incredible opportunities for students, and over the past years, these programmes were integrated into the PLC curriculum.

With Ms James now appointed as the Deputy Principal, the opportunity arose to create two new Dean roles to further integrate wellbeing into the overall support structure for students and ensure the tracking of student pastoral and academic progress is properly supported.

PLC would like to congratulate Ms Nic Dorrington who has been appointed as the Dean of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care (Years 10 to 12) and Ms Anna Turnseck-James who has been appointed the Dean of Experiential Learning. Both positions will commence from Term 3 this year.

Ms Dorrington commented that she is looking forward to building strong relationships and being able to support students, families, and the community.

“I believe these relationships are crucial in building a supportive and inclusive school community.”

“ Developing wellbeing programmes that support and provide students with extra ‘tools’ to navigate the world in which they live as they discover who they are, how they feel, and who they want to be,” Ms Dorrington said.

Ms Turnseck-James said that she is looking forward to resuming interstate and international trips and tours and expanding project-based learning.

“ I’m also really excited about the new learning possibilities that will emerge by connecting these programmes. This will equip students with an even wider range of valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives,” Ms Turnseck-James said.

3rd in Science and Engineering Challenge

In early May, 32 Year 10 students competed in the Perth Science and Engineering Challenge and came away with an incredible 3rd placing.

The day involved multidisciplinary and problem-solving challenges which required teamwork and concentration while they engineered windmills, bridges, and also designed and flew planes.

ICGS Breakfast

In Term 2, PLC’s Cafeteria was transformed into a leadership symposium as Year 7 student leaders from the surrounding independent girls’ schools joined PLC for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Year 7 Service and Leadership Breakfast. After breakfast, the students had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker, Laura Ives Hicks.

Laura has experience in a variety of different management and advocacy groups through Girl Guides at a local, state, and national level. She was the executive of the National Council of Women WA from 2019 to 2022, for which she was the Young Women’s Representative. Currently, Laura is studying her Masters in Public Policy and Management, and is working in the West Australian Parliament House.

PLC students interviewed Laura about her service and leadership journey and she concluded with advice she would give to her Year 7 self: “take every opportunity you’re offered and actively bring those around you on the journey”.

Sisters’ Song of the Year Nomination

Imogen Whyte (Year 8) and Scarlett Whyte (Year 10) have been shortlisted in the Western Australian Music’s Song of Year.

Scarlett and Imogen (pictured middle) are the lead singers for their band SOUR with their song Stayed Up receiving a nomination.

Imogen has also released a debut song titled Tired which has also received a nomination.

More than 1,050 original songs were entered from artists across the state and Scarlett’s and Imogen’s songs are two of the 71 songs nominated.

The winners were announced at the awards night on Wednesday 19 June in Fremantle. While the sisters did not come away with the win, they are proud to join the esteemed group of nominees such as Little Birdy, Abbe May, and The Waifs.

To listen to their songs (as well as all the other Song of the Year nominees) scan the QR code.

2024 SOTHY Nominees

Balance Defines Us

World’s Greatest Shave

By Nikki Jenkins Service Captain

Building Bikes for Foster Care WA

This year’s World’s Greatest Shave was a tremendous success, showcasing remarkable participation from students across all year levels. In the Junior School, our dedicated Year 11 and 12 students braided the hair of Year 6 students, sparking heartwarming big sister relationships.

Concurrently, students from Years 7 to 11 gathered on the Quad for a spirited Mini World’s Greatest Shave, with many opting to cut and one brave individual shaving their hair.

Our Year 12 students were joined by the Year 12 cohort from Scotch College in a united effort, fostering camaraderie and shared purpose.

We are pleased to announce that this year, students and staff proudly raised over $20,000.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible achievement!

Midway through Term 2, Year 9 students spent time building bikes as part of their Service Leadership Programme.

Within this programme and as part of the portfolio supporting children in foster care, PLC again partnered with Foster Care WA to build bikes for foster children.

Working in small groups, the students constructed bikes of all sizes before a special afternoon at which the bikes were presented to each child.

The children were smiling from ear to ear as they raced around testing out their new wheels.

The partnership with Foster Care WA and the service area of caring for children in foster care is just one of nine portfolios the Year 9 cohort are custodians of, overseen by the Head of Service and Community Partnerships, Mrs Susie Gill. They will then hand this portfolio over to the incoming Year 9 cohort the following year to continue and build upon the legacy of service.

“It’s heartwarming to see the pure joy on their faces and our students can really see how they are having a positive impact,” Mrs Gill said.

Dynamic Duos at Boarders’ Ball

Thing 1 and Thing 2, Batman and Wonder Woman, Agent J and Agent K, Alfredo Linguini and Remy – the list went on as the ‘iconic duos’ walked the red carpet at the annual Boarders’ Ball in Term 2.

Boarders from Years 11 and 12 were joined by their boarding brothers from Scotch College for a fancy dress night of dancing and socialising while enjoying a photo booth, music blaring by a DJ duo, pizza, and a lolly buffet.

Celebrating National Boarding Week

It was an action-packed week celebrating National Boarding Week this year, honouring the vibrant Boarding House community.

The week kicked-off with Boots for Boarders’ Day on Monday where boarders wore their ‘home footwear’ to school and pink ribbons in their hair to symbolise their unity.

Each day’s lunchtime activities were a hit! Monday’s tug-ofwar saw boarders triumph over day students. Tuesday’s scavenger hunt offered insights into boarders’ lives.

Wednesday’s race had students preparing for school like boarders in a fun and hilarious ‘race to school’. Thursday featured a netball game against Scotch College boarders, while a food tasting showcased the diverse flavours of our Boarding House capped off the week.

A highlight of National Boarding Week is honouring the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and origins of our boarders, who hail from all corners of the globe.

IPSHA Performing Arts Festival

Building confidence and concentration, collaboration, performance skills, demonstration of school pride, having fun, and building selfesteem are just some of the benefits Junior School students are realising from participating in the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival.

This year, 57 students from the Deci-Belles Choir brought Dance, Drama, and Vocals together under the tutelage of Music Teacher, Ms Hayley Macdonald-Burns, with support from Ms Linda Arnold, Ms Genevieve Ogilvie, and Ms Jennifer Rickwood, with a jaw-dropping performance of One Short Day from Wicked.

Approximately 14 independent primary schools gathered at Penrhos College for this festival at which each school performed their piece, not for a competition, but for the opportunity to perform.

After a technical rehearsal, the group performed a matinée performance for the students to watch. They then took part in an arts workshop rotation before the evening final performance in front of an audience of family and friends.

Head of Junior School, Mrs Gerladine Drabble remarked that this festival was a fabulous way for students to develop language and communication skills whilst exploring aspects of the curriculum in different ways.

“The IPSHA Performing Arts Festival is one of the major performing opportunities for our students and a wonderful opportunity for the Deci-Belles whilst fostering the strong sense of PLC pride,” Mrs Drabble said.

Sport Report

By Mr Sam Maxwell Head of Sport

As we reflect on the achievements of PLC Sport this semester, while our individual and team performances have again been strong across the board, it is heartening to see the sustained enthusiasm and continued increases in participation across the diverse range of sports offered. From students who are trying a sport for a first time, to girls and teams who have won IGSSA Pennants, PLC’s inclusive environment continues to nurture and inspire every girl to thrive in whatever sport she chooses to play.

The Swimming programme started with vigorous training over the Christmas break led by PLC staff member and 2008 Olympian, Ms Jess Pengelly. With a focus on building team culture and preparing specifically for IGSSA’s sprint events, the traditional PLC/Scotch swim meet early in Term 1 was complemented with a new meet against Penrhos and Perth College. While the improvement in both individual and team performance was evident, the energy, enthusiasm and support displayed at the IGSSA Swimming Carnival was a testament to the whole squad and coaching team. Swim Captain, Inez Miller, lead from the front, closing out her successful PLC Swimming career breaking the IGSSA record in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke events, and anchoring the Year 12 4 x 50m Freestyle relay to gold.

Volleyball again flourished at PLC with 19 IGSSA teams entered across Years 7 to 12. If anyone was to walk past the Hugh Baird Sports Centre on a training or match day, the noise and energy emanating from the courts was a sure

sign to how much the girls enjoy this sport. A special mention to our Year 7/8 A team who finished the season in equal 1st place – a great sign for the future of Volleyball at PLC!

Our AFL programme continues its remarkable growth and success with over 100 girls participating across all year levels. Year 7/8 A finished their season in 2nd, with the Year 7/8 B and Year 9/10 and Year 11/12 teams all winning IGSSA Pennants. At the end of Term 1, PLC was the only school to enter three teams in the state-wide Dockers Cup competition for Years 7 to 9, with the team’s coming 1st, 4th, and 6th respectively.

The enthusiasm of our students continued into Term 2 with strong hockey and netball numbers. With four students across the Years 9 and 10 cohort selected in the Under 15 WA State Hockey team, PLC accounted for a quarter of the State squad, and an additional two students in the Under 18 State side.

We organised an exhibition match against MLC at the Perth Hockey Stadium in front of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras at the end of the term and are continuing to explore ways we can grow and enhance the profile of hockey at PLC.

In Cross Country, students again committed themselves to early morning training sessions that included long runs, interval sessions, and hill repeats at various locations including Bold Park, Cottesloe Beach, and witnessing pristine sunrises over the Swan River. These rigorous sessions have not only pushed the girls to challenge their limits but have also fostered a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie between girls of all age groups.

Mr Ben Matheson and Mr Zac Mowat in the Junior School have again worked tirelessly to facilitate both lunchtime sport games and a morning fundamental movement skills programme for our Early Years students. Coupled with our regular co-curricular sport offerings of Tennis, Run Club, Netball, Minkey, and Athletics, these activities have not only energised our students but have also introduced new sports and physical activities for our youngest learners.

Head of the River

As we look forward to the second half of the year, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every girl can enjoy and excel in her chosen sports and develop a lifelong love for physical activity.

The Head of the River results at the end of Term 2 earmarked the culmination of a successful 2024 season by the students, staff, and broader PLC Rowing community.

At Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, Team PLC, for the 12th year in a row, took out the Wendy Zuideveld Perpetual Trophy for the Schoolgirl Head of the River Regatta Champion School.

The 1st VIII also won for the 9th year in a row with Isabella Maliszewski, Georgia Fleay, Jessica Nixon, Stella Wandel, Tahlia Wells, Grace Turnbull, Hannah Bergersen, Olivia Pearcey, and Annabel Antunovich representing PLC with pride.

PLC also took out the Perpetual Trophy for Schoolgirl Premiers for the terrific overall performance across all regattas throughout the season.

Head of Rowing and Coach of the 1st VIII, Mr David Milne, said he was incredibly proud of every student and staff member for pouring their heart and soul into this year’s rowing programme.

“I’m so proud of the commitment to their sport, team, race plan, and school. I’m equally proud of the humility and sportswomanship displayed throughout the year,” Mr Milne said.

State and National Achievements

AFL

Amberly Osborne (Year 9) has been selected for the State Schoolgirls AFL 15s team, representing WA at the National Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in late July.

Artistic Swimming

In April, Chloe Ng (Year 9) competed in the State Championships where her team routine was awarded 1st place, her solo 2nd place, and 3rd in duet.

Equestrian

At the Interschool State Championships, Ivy Smith (Year 6) came 2nd in Preliminary 1.2 Dressage and 2nd in 60cm Preliminary Show Jumping. Olive Shillington (Year 7) came 8th in 60cm Secondary Show Jumping. Amy Leitch (Year 8) came 3rd in Preliminary 1.3 Dressage. Isobel Egan (Year 11) came 1st in 100cm, 2nd in Phase 2 110cm, 5th in 1 & 3 110cm, and 4th in Overall Champion Show Jumping.

Chess

Kobe Wu (Year 8) competed at the Doeberl Cup in Canberra in April. Kobe competed in the Major division instead of the Minor to extend herself.

Cycling

Karri Buchanan (Year 12) competed in the National Australian Senior Road Race Championships in Ballarat, Victoria in January. Karri finished 20th in Australia.

Floorball

Tilly Burton (Year 11) was selected in the Australian U19 Women’s Floorball Team. She competed at the World Floorball Championships in Finland in May.

Gymnastics

Abby Van Hagen (Year 11) competed at the National Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast in June and was proud of her personal best performances in her aerobics and acrobatics routines.

Ava Eagar (Year 7) competed in the WA Gymnastics Championships in March and won silver on beam, bronze for her floor routine, and her team event won a silver medal.

Hockey

Four Year 9 students have been chosen to represent WA in the U15 National Hockey Championships on the Gold Coast in August.

Khadija Elnadi, Freya Wakefield, Saskia Lehmann, and Lucy Bannerman will also play for WA in July for the School Sport WA team.

Ruby Bell (Year 11) and Alex Enslin (Year 12) have also been selected in the State U18 Hockey team for WA.

Netball

Chloe Ramsay (Year 12) (bottom row second from the left) won bronze for WA at the 19U 2024 National Netball Championships during the April school holidays.

Photo credit: Phil Barnes

Soccer

Hannah Reynolds (Year 11) has been selected in the U16 WA State Football team to play at the 2024 National Youth Championships.

Triathlon

In Term 1, Dempsey Patterson (Year 8) competed in the U15 National Triathlon Championships held in Rockhampton.

Polocrosse

Faith Ryan (Year 7) and Zara Ryan (Year 10) competed in the WA U12 and U16 Junior Girls’ Teams respectively in Polocrosse.

Faith and her team returned from the National Polocrosse Championships, held in Queensland in June, overall winners.

Water Polo

Olivia Richardson (Year 7), wearing number 14, won bronze at the Australian Water Polo Youth Championships in Brisbane in January.

Australian Rowing Championships

PLC entered the 2024 rowing season in strong form after an impressive performance at the 2024 Australian Rowing Championships in Sydney in March.

After a hard-fought battle, the PLC U17 Boat A took out Bronze in the A Final U17 Schoolgirl’s Coxed Eight with their team of Year 10 students Tara Swingler, Arabella Dunne, Sana Burt, Amelia Corbett, Celia Rosser, Fenella Cox, Ruby Davis, Bridie Swingler, and Year 9 Cox, Laura Gillam.

PLC also took out 3rd place in the U17 Schoolgirl’s Coxed Eight C Final (PLC U17 Boat B) and 3rd and 7th place in the Schoolgirl’s Coxed Eight B Final (PLC U19 Boat A), and (PLC U19 Boat B) respectively.

While every school from the eastern states had already completed their rowing season for 2024, here in the West the season was yet to commence which only makes the results at these championships even more impressive.

Reconciliation Week Empowering Student Voice

To celebrate Reconciliation Week this year, PLC’s Reconciliation Captains, Monique Mouda-Hughes and Ebony Withers, discussed what the week means to them, what they hoped to achieve through the activities they planned, and ideas they have for the future.

[Monique] “This year, I hoped to help make the School more inclusive and to be more open to change. I also hoped that everyone would participate in all the activities – from face painting to polaroid photos, bracelet making, and a staff versus student netball game.”

[Ebony] This year’s theme ‘Now More Than Ever’ is a reminder that regardless of the circumstances, the resilience and dedication to achieving equity and recognition for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must persist and is done by individuals taking actionable steps in the fight for justice.”

[Monique] “I think we can further enhance our Indigenous student voice at PLC by instead of having two Reconciliation Captains, we should have a committee, for which two

individuals (or one from each year group) have meetings to gather everyone’s opinions and ideas..”

[Ebony] “I think the best activity was the face painting and bracelet making with the Junior School students. They were all excited to get involved and it was great to see the girls wanting to learn about such an important week for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

[Monique] “I would love to have more student voice throughout the year like recognising more dates like Sorry Day or Mabo Day. To recognise those dates and to acknowledge them would be important. Smoking ceremonies when we return to school could also be a good idea.”

[Ebony] “Monique has mentioned a reconciliation committee, and I couldn’t agree with her more on the fact that having a rep from each year would certainly make sure that everyone was feeling included and heard.”

A Collaborative Approach for Indigenous Programme

PLC has recently restructured its Indigenous Programme staffing, enhancing the support and care provided to its students.

This strategic shift sees the programme now managed by two dedicated staff members, Ms Ammbi Muir and Ms Katherine Hazlewood. This change is poised to deliver a higher level of assistance to the students, building on the strong relationships these staff members have already established. Students have also commented that they feel they’re better supported with the two areas of school working together.

Ms Ammbi Muir, a proud Wongatha/Ngalia and Jaffna Tamil woman from Leonora in the North-East Goldfields, steps into the role of Indigenous Support Co-ordinator - Mentor.

Ms Muir will continue to work closely with students both in the Boarding House and the day school, offering mentorship and support that is both culturally informed and deeply personal.

Joining Ms Muir in the leadership of the Indigenous Programme is Ms Katherine Hazlewood, who will be responsible for the administration of the Gorna Liyarn programme in addition to her responsibilities as Boarding House Deputy: Wellbeing and Pastoral Care.

Ms Hazlewood’s extensive experience at PLC Perth, starting from her role as Year 11 Co-ordinator in 2014, her time as

Acting Director of Boarding to her current position as Boarding House Deputy positions her perfectly for this new challenge. Her longstanding commitment to PLC and its students is evident in her continuous efforts to improve student wellbeing and support systems.

This collaborative approach reflects PLC Perth’s commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for all students and not only leverages their individual strengths and experiences, but also underscores the College’s dedication to fostering an inclusive community in which every student can thrive.

Our Past Moves

OCA President’s Report

As we reflect on another vibrant semester at PLC, it is with great pleasure that I present my second report as President of the Old Collegians’ Association. The past few months have been marked by significant milestones, heartwarming events, and remarkable achievements within our community.

From the inaugural whole Year 7 OCA Pin Presentation, the celebration of our Old Collegians’ contributions in the “Women of Spirit” book, to our key event, the annual OCA Art Exhibition, we continue to strengthen the bonds that make PLC a special place for all. I am excited to share the highlights of our activities and the inspiring stories of our members in this report.

Winks Shephard (1988) President Old Collegians’ Association

OCA Welcome Breakfast

It was wonderful to see so many Old Collegians returning with their daughters and granddaughters for the annual OCA Welcome Breakfast. This breakfast marks a special occasion as we not only welcome back familiar faces but also celebrate the legacy and enduring connection that our alumni share with our school community.

IGSSA

Old Girls’ Tennis Competition

Our girls did it again! For the 20th time and the 7th year in a row, PLC has triumphed at the IGSSA Old Girls’ Tennis Competition. This year’s unstoppable team of Old Collegians – Jane Glass (Lange 1974), Linda Arnold (Vuletic 1979), Judy Kozak (Lange 1979), Mareena Weston (Hopkins 1996), Denise Cramer (Dowland 1975), Kirstin Prendiville (Smith 1978), Sarah Stretton (Davis 2000), Georgiana Hill (Lilley 1999), Ann Barblett (1972), and Debbie Taylor (MacBean 1976) – took to the courts with pride and determination, clinching the trophy once again.

It was an impressive display of skill, teamwork, and PLC spirit. Our champions not only showcased their talent but also the enduring bonds that connect our Old Collegians.

OCA Art Exhibition

The 2024 PLC OCA Art Exhibition was a stunning display of creativity and talent, bringing together the vibrant artistic contributions of over 60 Old Collegians and the broader PLC community. The Opening Night Cocktail Party saw art enthusiasts enjoy live music by Emma Osling (2023) and Flametree wines whilst perusing the exhibition.

Open to the general public on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, the exhibition offered something for everyone, from striking paintings and beautiful ceramics, to captivating photography and mixed media pieces. This year, we were delighted to showcase the creative talents of our Year 1 students in their Bob the Artist Celebration in Miniature display.

This year, the Francesca Nelson Memorial Art Prize, named in honour of Old Collegian and past staff member Francesca Nelson (1980), was awarded to ceramicist Rebecca Clarke (1985), for her piece Stingray 01. Pene Turner and Sacha Barker took out the Francesca Nelson Highly Commended Award for The Opal Sky and There’s a Saying Amongst Prospectors. Young emerging artist, Zac Vasiliou, won the Ray Eastwood Memorial Art Prize for his piece Boats. A new award – the OCA Packing Room Prize – was awarded to Laura Bonney for her artwork Mungarrtji, Mungagka and this year, the

PLC Art Department Award went to Sacha Barker for

a Saying Amongst Prospectors

A special thank you to Old Collegian and feature artist Anne-Marie D’Arcy (1988) whose feature piece Dawn Warriors reflected her strong ties to PLC Rowing and fascination with viewing Australia’s landscapes from a ‘higher plane’.

Events of this size rely upon the amazing organisation and generosity of our community. To Liz Towner (Clarke 1958) and Jody Fewster (Bond 1983) thank you for your continuing support as Major Sponsors. Our Art Exhibition Raffle returned this year with fabulous prizes donated by Siobhan Way Fine Jewellery, TeySha Retreat in Yallingup, Event Cinemas, and Rottnest Express.

Thank you also to the tireless efforts of our OCA Committee and members who volunteered their time to make this event an ongoing success.

OCA Easter Service and High Tea

This year’s OCA Easter Service and High Tea welcomed Old Collegians from every cohort for a heartfelt celebration of Easter tradition.

The Easter Service provided a solemn yet meaningful reflection on the essence of the season, reminding attendees of the values that bind us together. Following the service, the High Tea offered a chance for attendees to connect over delectable treats and warm conversation, it was lovely to see so many familiar faces.

There’s

Tartan Lawyers’ Breakfast

The annual Tartan Lawyers’ Breakfast was this year held in the CBD office of Herbert Smith Freehills. Guests thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality and invaluable networking opportunities, complemented by a dynamic panel discussion and an engaging interactive question time featuring Aaron McDonald (2001), Michael Denny (2008), and Jenny Thornton (1977).

In addition to our Old Collegians, the event welcomed students from both PLC and Scotch, offering them invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the legal profession. Discussions focussed on the transformative impact of technology on workplace flexibility for women, as well as the enduring importance of kindness and courtesy in all professional and personal interactions.

A heartfelt thank you to the Scotch Old Collegians for hosting this wonderful event, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to its success.

Year 10 Subject Selection Information Day

At the end of Term 1, Year 10 students began planning their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. To make this process both inspiring and insightful, Old Collegians were invited to share their career journeys with the girls.

This initiative not only offered a glimpse into a wide range of professional fields, from architecture and construction to law and public safety, but also emphasised the importance of mentoring.

The event featured a dynamic ‘speed dating’ format. Pairs of Year 10 students sat down with Old Collegians to ask questions about their careers in quick two-minute sessions. This allowed the students to gather a wealth of information as they rotated through the various groups.

We are incredibly grateful to the following for stepping into these mentoring roles: Amelia Mantle (2016), Andrea Alvarez (1997), Anna Clarke (Robson 1993), Bryndis Moffitt (1996), Camilla Golding (2009), Claire Murray (1994), Diana Beck OAM (De Vos 1960), Felicity Bradshaw (Seale 1955), Fiona Hogg (1984), Jane Humphrys (1992), Jocelyn Hudson (Gawler 1978), Lisa Jeitz (Stone 1992), Louella McDonald (Bowers 1968), Mary-Ellen King (1977), Melissa Beresford (Barrett 1988), Nic Giblett (1991), Raena Kaur (2010), Susan Pantall (Gibbs 1987), and Tessa McCann (2007).

If you’re interested in volunteering your time for next year’s Year 10 Subject Selection Day or becoming a mentor to our students, please email oca@plc.wa.edu.au.

Inaugural Year 7 OCA Pin Presentation

In Term 2, we proudly introduced our inaugural Year 7 OCA Pin Presentation. Transitioning to a new OCA pin model, all Year 7 students received an OCA Pin, symbolising their induction into the PLC community. Each girl was presented with either a silver OCA Pin, marking the commencement of their PLC journey, or a coloured Heritage OCA Pin, reflecting their family’s House affiliation and legacy with PLC.

During the presentation, the girls were reminded that their time at PLC is more than just an education – it’s a legacy to be embraced. They were encouraged to seize opportunities, build strong bonds, and think of themselves as part of a proud PLC community that will extend beyond the school gates.

A special thank you to our guest OC presenters: Morgen Lewis (1987), Tash Wenn (Petrelis 1995), Nicole Simpson (Gibson 1979), Lucy Correia (2023), Liv Clifton (2023), Bronwyn Reynolds (Andrew 1991), Justine Cerini (1988), Zoe Burke (2021), and Year 7 Pastoral & Academic Care Co-ordinator Jane Brandenburg (1979) for their support during this meaningful event.

Old Collegians Featured in Women of Spirit

We are incredibly proud to celebrate six of our distinguished Old Collegians who have been featured in the book Women of Spirit – A Centenary of CWA Stories, which celebrates 100 years of WA’s Country Women’s Association.

Reflecting the strong country and community ties shared between PLC and the CWA, this collection showcases the extraordinary contributions of 100 members who have made a lasting impact on their communities.

These exceptional women: Alice Adamson (Whitaker 1951), Wendy Folvig OAM (Finch 1938), Eileen Maughan CBE OAM JP (Roper 1930), Lesley Langley (Wells 1952), Margaret Hector AFSM (Symington 1961), and Sara Stewart (Adamson 1979), exemplify PLC’s enduring spirit of community service through their dedication and advocacy for rural issues.

Purchase here

The book’s significance as a social history of women in regional WA is profound, highlighting the vital role CWA meetings have played as a lifeline for many women in isolated communities. Their stories illuminate the resilience and unwavering commitment of women in regional Western Australia, serving as a testament to the strong impact our alumnae continue to have on their communities.

Old Collegians Shine Bright at WAIS Awards

The 2023 WAIS Awards of Excellence shone a spotlight on outstanding athletes and among them were two remarkable Old Collegians who are making an indelible mark on the sporting world.

Nina Kennedy (2014), a name synonymous with excellence in pole vaulting, emerged as the 2023 WAIS Athlete of the Year, a well-deserved accolade marking her maiden title in this category. Following in the footsteps of legends like Steve Hooker and her own coach, Paul Burgess, Nina’s stellar year reached its pinnacle at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she soared to victory, clinching the gold medal alongside Katie Moon. Her performance earned her the Bruce McAvaney Award for Performance of the Year.

Tartan News

Ella Slocombe (2003) was recently selected by the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the 2024 AFLW draft as their first pick and the 26th overall.

Throughout the international circuit, Nina’s dominance was evident with victories at prestigious Diamond League meets in Zurich and Paris.

Capping off her phenomenal year, Nina shattered records, claiming the Australian and Oceania records thrice and ending the year as the world leader in pole vaulting with an incredible 4.91 meters.

Joining Nina in the limelight was Jacqui Swick (2019), whose exceptional talent in rowing secured her Young Athlete of the Year for a consecutive year.

Jacqui’s journey in rowing was highlighted by her consistent success in senior international races in 2023, including a gold at the World Cup 2 and a bronze at World Cup 3. Her bronze at the World Championships not only showcased the prowess in the women’s eights, but secured a qualification spot for Paris 2024, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport.

Ella is celebrated as a game-breaking top-end talent and we are eagerly anticipating her progress with her new team.

Congratulations to Tilly Rivers (2023) whose film Submerged was chosen as a finalist in this year’s Flickerfest. Held in Bondi in January, the 33rd International Short Film Festival showcased the best short films including the Flickerup Shorts component of the festival which showed 23 films by filmmakers under 18 years of age.

Tartan News

Meliata Thomason (Blechynden 1989) achieved a milestone on 24 February 2024 when she was ordained as a Deacon alongside her husband, Chris Thomason. Meliata’s journey is one of diverse experiences, having taught Pre-Primary and served as a motorcycle police officer before becoming a Priest in the Anglican Church.

Following her attachment to the Parish of Applecross as a Theological student last year, Meliata is now serving as a Deacon in the same Parish. With aspirations to be ordained to the Priesthood in December 2024, Meliata’s dedication to her faith and community serves as an inspiring example of lifelong service.

Merrilyn Gollan (Johnston 1953) has been recognised with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her extensive service to the agricultural show sector, particularly through her significant contributions to the Royal Agricultural Society of WA.

Serving as a member since 1948, Merrilyn fulfilled various roles, notably as ring steward at the Perth Royal Show from 1988 to 2002 and as chief arena steward from 2003 to 2018.

Additionally, she holds life memberships in several agricultural and equestrian organisations, reflecting her lifelong dedication to these pursuits.

Jane Sanders (1983) has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her exceptional service to youth justice. With over 30 years of advocacy, Jane has played a pivotal role at The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre and in leadership positions at institutions like The Law Society of NSW.

Her numerous awards, including the Terry Keaney Memorial Award for Criminal Law, highlight her commitment to pro-bono work and innovative advocacy. Jane’s appointment recognises her enduring legacy as a champion of youth rights and her impactful leadership within the legal community.

Grace Newton-Wordsworth (2013) has reached an impressive milestone by supporting global pop star P!nk on tour.

Growing up on her family’s organic farm in the WA Wheatbelt town of Williams, Grace’s journey from rural paddocks to performing in front of 40,000 fans is truly inspiring.

As the lead singer of the Perth-based band Joan and the Giants, she has navigated the music industry since 2019, overcoming numerous challenges, including the setbacks caused by the pandemic. Reflecting on her childhood with ABC News, Grace shared, “I used to listen to P!nk on the farm growing up. I used to imagine I was P!nk, and now I’ve just shared a stage with her.”

Emma Pettemerides (1999) recently showcased her talents in V’Adoro, a collaborative performance by WA Opera and Australian Baroque. With a diverse repertoire including works by Vivaldi, Purcell, Handel, and Monteverdi, Emma’s performance highlighted her extensive training and experience.

A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Emma has portrayed a wide range of roles in productions such as Sweeney Todd, The Merry Widow, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, and more.

Olivia DeJonge (2015) recently graced the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia’s May edition. Olivia’s stunning feature in this prestigious fashion magazine highlights her remarkable career trajectory, from winning Best Actress at the age of 12 to her acclaimed work on the upcoming miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North and her promising future in Hollywood.

Photo credit: Danella Bevis

Photo credit: Law Society NSW

L-R: (Meliata Thomason (Blechynden 1989), Anne Smith (Past Staff) , Kate Crossing (1989), Fiona Scott-Clarke (Scott 1989) and Simone Ritchie-Morgan (Ritchie 1989)

Upcoming Reunions

10 Year Reunion (Class of 2014)

Date: Friday 22 November 2024

Time: 6.00 pm

Venue: The Claremont, The Nook

Contact: Annabel Watts anniewatts21@gmail.com

20 Year Reunion (Class of 2004)

Date: Saturday 12 October 2024

Contact: Kate McPherson kate@katemac.com.au

30 Year Reunion (Class of 1994)

Date: Sunday 20 October 2024

Time: 5.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Venue: Little Way, Nedlands

Contact: Michelle Barrett michelle@nedscornerfarming.com

Katie Ryan katie@centralstockcare.com

40 Year Reunion (Class of 1984)

Date: Sunday 17 November 2024

Venue: School Tour 2.00 pm | Steve’s Bar 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Contact: Danielle Barrass barrass@iinet.net.au

50 Year Reunion (Class of 1974)

Date: Saturday 26 October 2024

Contact: Bronwyn Stewart b_n_stewart@hotmail.com

65 Year Reunion (Class of 1959)

Date: Wednesday 23 October 2024

Time: 12.30 pm

Venue: The Freshwaters Cafe, 3 Lilla Street, Peppermint Grove

Contact: Margaret Leggott mleggott@bigpond.com

70 Year Reunion (Class of 1954)

Date: Tuesday 13 August 2023, Founders’ Day Service and Luncheon

Time: Service 12.00 pm | Luncheon 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm

Venue: Hugh Baird Sports Centre | PLC Senior School Cafeteria

Contact: Greer Hancock – PLC Alumni Officer oca@plc.wa.edu.au

Interstate Reunions

Sydney Reunion

Date: Saturday 24 August 2024

Time: 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Venue: Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra Sydney

Contact: Greer Hancock – PLC Alumni Officer at oca@plc.wa.edu.au

Melbourne Reunion

Date: Sunday 25 August 2024

Time: 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Venue: QT Melbourne, Premiere Bar, Melbourne CBD

Contact: Greer Hancock – PLC Alumni Officer at oca@plc.wa.edu.au

The 60 Year Reunion held in February 2024.

PLC Foundation Update on the PLC Campus Master Plan

Our community knows that PLC is far more than just its buildings. However, the best education demands the best facilities. To this end, the PLC Foundation is incredibly proud to support the College’s bold and contemporary Campus Master Plan.

The Foundation is committed to supporting this ambitious Master Plan and has already earmarked a capital contribution to the gradual campus-wide play space enhancements, starting shortly with the Junior School playground upgrade. Research tells us that playgrounds serve as essential spaces for children’s physical and cognitive development, fostering their creativity and imagination while also supporting students in building important life skills such as resilience and teamwork. The Foundation is therefore an enthusiastic supporter of the enhancements to these campus-wide play areas.

As part of these enhancements, significant redevelopments and upgrades will be made to the play areas adjacent to each of the Junior School classrooms and the space between the pool and the carpark –including a feature slide from the Junior School playground to the Junior School undercroft - connecting the upper and lower areas of the Junior School playground and encouraging adventurous play! Additionally, the Foundation will fund upgrades to the play and arrival area into Pre-Kindergarten, as well as opening out the pool’s entrance foyer to increase covered play spaces.

Of course, the Foundation’s support of the Campus Master Plan would not be possible without the generosity of those who have supported the College philanthropically. The Foundation’s capital fund was established with funds from bequests from donors, including the College’s founder Donald Carmichael and former Principal Dr Vera Summers. These bequests and other gifts have been invested over time and the income from these investments allows the Foundation to provide ongoing support to the College, including contributions to part-fund the cost of capital works such as the those set out in the Campus Master Plan.

The ongoing generosity of so many within the PLC community has an enormous bearing on our students.

All gifts, no matter the size, have an impact - whether financial assistance is directed to the Building Programme or supports the Foundation’s means-tested Scholarship and Bursary Programme - these gifts sustain PLC’s vision in preparing every student to be successful in an evolving world.

After seven years as the Foundation’s Executive Officer and Secretary, we farewelled Suzanne Pelczar and thank her for her unwavering support. We were delighted to welcome Daisy Bahen to the role of Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager for the PLC Foundation in May this year. Daisy has recently returned home to Perth, after more than a decade in Sydney, where she led the fundraising at girls’ school SCEGGS Darlinghurst.

Daisy can be contacted via email at foundation@plc.wa.edu.au or via phone on (08) 9460 6534.

Thank you again to our community for the generous support – it truly makes a difference!

Alexandrea Thompson Chair Foundation Board

Annual Giving Foundation Thank You

Each year, the PLC Foundation extends an invitation to all those in the wider PLC community, inviting them to contribute to the Annual Giving Campaign.

All gifts, no matter the size, have an enormous impact on our girls, today and into the future, and the PLC Foundation extends a sincere thanks to those who have already contributed to the 2024 Annual Giving Campaign:

Miss Wendy Addis (1954), Ms Judy Amey (McCulloch 1962) Mr Kieran and Mrs Michelle Barrett (Wandel 1994), Ms Cate Begbie, David and Christine Burt, Dr Jerry and Ms Wei Chen, Mr Sandy Clarkson (1962), Hon June Craig AM (Lynn 1947), Joanne Cruickshank (1977), Dr Anne Durack (1963), Mr Mick and Mrs Marnie Fels, Miss Barbara Finch (1950), Mr Luke Forsyth, Mr Geoffrey Gishubl and Ms Jennifer Grove (1989), Mr Andy Hawley, Suzanne Holding (2010), Mrs Freda Livingston (Bunce 1949), Mrs Léonie Kirke (Jeanes 1952), Anne Kyle (Jago 1948), Anne Latchford (L’Epagniol 1949), Mrs Helen Lewis, Mr Tim Duffield and Ms Morgen Lewis (1987), Mr Stuart and

Culture of Giving at Annual Giving Soirée

It was with great excitement that the PLC Foundation hosted their 2024 Annual Giving Soirée in May, showcasing the recently gifted C. Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, the only piano of its calibre in Australia.

Highlighting the legacy of giving at PLC, this remarkable donation is already having an enormous impact on the College. The Bechstein will give students the opportunity to explore their musical potential for decades to come.

The event was an occasion to truly celebrate the College’s vibrant and generous culture of giving and allowed guests to learn more about the piano’s extraordinary journey from Berlin to PLC’s Music Building. It was also an opportunity for guests to experience first-hand the musical talents of PLC students, with performances from the String Quartet, Piano Trio, and special solo performance by Year 6 pianist, Auretta Qaqish.

As the philanthropic arm of the College, the PLC Foundation acknowledges and thanks all those who continue to support the culture of giving.

Mrs Melanie Love, Mr David McCarthy, Mr Marshall and Mrs Yasmin McKenna, Mrs Barbara Potter (Allan 1955), Jenny Rankin, Mr Graham and Mrs Margaret Reynolds, Mr Greg Sanderson (1951), Sarah Basden Foundation, Mr Bernard and Mrs Julia Schortinghuis (Osborne 1989), Mr Adam and Mrs Winks Shephard (Sheedy 1988), Mrs Valerie Thompson (Gardiner 1956), Dr Robert Serich and Dr Jenny Rogers (1972), Mr Kevin and Mrs Jane Somes (Temperley 1962), Mr Andrew and Mrs Kathryn Wackett (Abbott 1984), Dr Eric Tan and Ms Emma Yu, and eight anonymous donors.

To contribute, scan the QR code or contact Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager, Daisy Bahen via e: foundation@plc.wa.edu.au p: (08) 9460 6534.

Donations of $2 and above to the Foundation Building Fund and Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible.

Donate securely here

Sustained by so many members of our broader community, PLC’s long and rich history of philanthropic support continues to benefit all PLC students and will do so for generations.

From the Archives

Recently, the PLC Archives received two significant donations

The first contained some incredibly significant items connected to our founding history in 1915. They belonged to Miss Constance Eva Wilson (later Taylor), who founded Ormiston College in Palmerston Street, North Perth, in 1907. Saved by her nephew Charles Wilson, the items were sent to us by his daughter Lyn Smith nee Wilson, from Hobart, who is also a family historian.

After selling Ormiston College to the Presbyterian Church as a going concern in August 1915 for £250 (around $44,500 today, plus furniture at valuation), Miss Wilson kindly agreed to remain as Acting Principal until our own, soon determined to be Miss Agnes Scorgie (Principal 19161921), arrived from Scotland in February 1916.

Among these items, one stands out as a tangible, extremely significant link to our founding days – an OLC hat badge in original colours of fawn, gold, and vivid baby blue. We are lucky enough to have some hat bands, ties, and blazer pockets from these early days in our Collection, but in almost every case, the natural blue dye has faded and bleached to the palest of pale sky blues over time. This badge, however, in pristine condition, retains the full vibrance of that beautiful blue in its perfect enamel.

If the crest looks familiar, that’s because it is; PLC retained it, and these colours, and simply swapped the O for P when we became PLC.

Underneath the OLC crest is the School’s motto (Labore et Honore), a reminder that our traditional motto comes from Ormiston College, as does the School Song, Land of Our Birth; both chosen by Miss Constance Wilson.

The items, which now comprise the Wilson Smith Collection, include documents, medals, badges, buttons and other items (see Recent Accessions), and photos of Miss Wilson’s sisters Belle and Ida, who also taught at OLC and PLC until the end of 1918, while we remained in North Perth.

The second significant donation now comprises the Kerry and Peter Jones OAM Collection (see Recent Accessions).

It arrived over several days, in a suitcase and several boxes, their contents spanning the entire history of PLC’s Pipe Band. These items are extremely precious to both Kerry and Peter, who dedicated so much of their lives to our pipers and drummers, and we have assured them they will be well cared for here … even if it does take us a year to process the wealth of material they have given us!

Special thanks to Jane Meneghello (McGibbon) who volunteers her time as Archives Assistant. She has been transferring accessions into archival stationery and their correct box; placing photographs in albums with captions; sorting, photographing, and filing 1970s student report cards; processing the Kerry and Peter Jones OAM Collection; and more. She is an invaluable asset and we appreciate her knowledge and dedication to our Archives.

Miss Constance Wilson, who founded Ormiston College, Perth, in 1907 and was our Acting Principal from Term 3, 1915 until Miss Agnes Scorgie arrived in February 1916.

Miss Constance Wilson’s sisters, Ida (left) and Belle Wilson (right), who both taught at Ormiston and PLC in its early years.

Recent Accessions

1968 Leavers, 1968

All unknown, except for Rosemary Lukin smiling, middle centre.

Libby Fitzpatrick (Hicks 1966)

1937 Kookaburra once belonging to Libby’s mother Betty Hicks (Ross 1938); photo of Forms VIA, VIB and Commercial Class, 1937 (named).

Marjorie Mann (Hicks 1964)

Enamelled tie pin once belonging to Marjorie’s mother Betty Hicks (Ross 1938).

Digital Accession: Some members of Year 7 Class, 1959; PLC Leaving A Form, 1964; Marjorie under the tree with pine tree in background.

Unknown Donor (If this is you, please let us know – we’d like to thank you)

Chopin Album – Prize for Music awarded to Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Stanley-Low (Carroll 1922) at PLC Cottesloe, 12 December 1919, signed by Agnes Scorgie (Principal 1916-1921); framed embroidery work presented to Mrs Gwen Bull (Domestic Science Teacher from 1972; Deputy Principal 1984-1993; Boarding House Mistress to 1995) by the Year 12 Boarders, 1994, embroidered with her favourite saying:

“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Darrall Unsworth (Glaskin 1968)

1964, 1965, 1966 (2), 1967, 1968 (2) Kookaburras; 1968 building campaign appeal brochure to raise a minimum of $150k for new Senior School buildings (opened in 1972) …in which was a beautiful group photo of 1968 Year 12s (pictured above).

Some of Mrs Hunt’s Year 7 girls, 1959

Back, L-R: Marjorie Hicks, Heather Greig, Pat Brown, Mrs Hunt, Janice Mackenzie, Kerrie Blackall

Front: Ruth Spaven, Jill Edmunds, Meredith Hubbard. (Little girl hiding behind Ruth Spaven – unknown) 2024/03 Marjorie Mann 3/3

Recent Accessions

Jocelyn Bennett (Wain 1958)

Items once belonging to Jocelyn’s daughter Denise Bennett (1979) including 1975, 1976, 1978 and 1979 Kookaburras and an extensive selection of PLC uniform items.

Mary Hillman (Naughton 1966)

Rosters for canteen (1994-2000), library (1997-2000); and secondhand clothing (1999-2000); Mothers’ Auxiliary Minutes (1998-2000); various notices eg Fairs, Founders’ Day Ceilidh, etc; letters from the Principal (1996-2000); Order of Service for the 1989 Memorial Service for Miss Heather Barr (1949; Principal 1968-1989); front page of The Post Newspapers, 18 July 1989, showing girls lined up at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in St George’s Terrace, for the funeral of Miss Heather Barr; appeal brochure for donating towards the stained glass windows in the new Heather Barr Memorial Chapel within Carmichael Hall, 1993.

Jan

Pittman (Thompkins 1965)

1962 and 1964 Speech Day tickets; programme for The University Orchestral Society and PLC Choir musical evening, held 29 June 1965 in Carmichael Hall.

Kerry and Peter Jones OAM

An extensive and significant collection of items specifically relating to the Jones’ 40 years of running PLC’s Pipe Band, including photos, programmes, cards, tour albums, tickets, memorabilia, clothing and uniform items, videos, DVDs, and a great many special items which now comprise The Kerry and Peter Jones OAM Collection.

Lyn Smith and her father Charles Victor Wilson (who exercised extraordinary foresight in saving and keeping these items)

1918 Prospectus, 7 Wattle Valley Road, Canterbury, advertising Miss Ida Wilson (nine years Music Mistress at Ormiston College, Perth); a promotional fan from Mrs Hunter Taylor’s floristry business, Ahern’s Arcade, Perth, and the following items:

Medals/Badges: Ormiston Ladies’ College hat badge from 1907-1914; Gymnastics Medal awarded to Ida Wilson, 1900, at Nelson College, Albert Park; Dux Medal awarded to Ida Wilson, 1902, at Nelson College, Albert Park; St John Ambulance Association (SJAA) Medal #233877, belonging to Ida Wilson; St John Ambulance Brigade (SJAB) epaulette badges; 3VAD epaulette badge; 4 x larger SJAB buttons (Stokes & Sons, Melbourne); 4 x smaller SJAB buttons (St John’s Gate, London); SJAA black and white armband; SJAA round badge.

Photos: Ida and Belle Wilson; Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Orange; Belle Wilson; photo of Eva Hunter-Taylor (nee Wilson) in Guides(?) uniform; reprinted A5-sized photo of George and Mary Wilson with their seven children and spouses thereof.

Newspaper articles: Reprints from Trove for 1900 (2), 1902 and 1903 re Nelson College’s second, third and fourth annual prize distributions, run by Miss Constance E Wilson; original (and copy) newspaper article from Western Mail, 31 December 1915, featuring the victorious Ormiston (now Presbyterian) Ladies’ College Tennis Team with Sandover Shield; original (and copy) newspaper article from The West Australian, 5 November 1912.

The beautiful Ormiston Ladies’ College (OLC) hat badge with original OLC and PLC colours of fawn, gold and vivid baby blue, which we retained until 1934.

In Memory

Eva Christina ‘Eve’ Dethlefsen (Lang 1960)

24 September 1943 – 22 January 2024

Eva, known as Eve, grew up in Archdeacon Street, Nedlands, and came to PLC from Nedlands State School in First Year (Year 8) 1956.

While here, she focused on her studies rather than sports, and made many close, lifelong friends. In her final year she was on the Kookaburra Committee, a Prefect, and also College Dux.

Her son, Kim, said his mother loved her connections with the friends she made at PLC, and that her days here were the happiest of times, creating some of her most treasured memories.

In those days, with girls strongly encouraged towards becoming an office worker, nurse, or teacher, Eve decided she desperately wanted to be a nurse. She pursued her studies with a passion and graduated from Princess Margaret Hospital for Children as ‘Nurse of the Year’.

She worked at Lady Lawley Cottage, a convalescent hospital for children in Cottesloe, for 32 years. She also worked part time at Telethon Speech & Hearing, in Wembley, for many years, during which time she was also a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and on the Board of the Hearing Research and Support Foundation.

Eve was also a proud founding member of the first Ladies’ Auxiliary at Hale School, attended by her sons Kim and Scott (Old Haleians from 1986 and 1989 respectively). She loved her years of involvement with Hale, and being on the Ladies’ Auxiliary, which provided funding and support to the School.

Kim, in particular, was a great runner but, in those days, women were not encouraged to attend school sports carnivals. Nevertheless, wanting to see him run, Eve went up to the top of the hill and watched him run his races from behind a tree. She nearly jumped out of her skin with a tap on her shoulder, and turned to see Dr Ken Tregonning, Hale School Headmaster, who told her he didn’t want to see her hiding behind a tree, and invited her to come down with him to the finish line.

Eve subsequently and proudly cheered on her sons, and then her adored grandchildren, in every race they ran, from the finish line.

Throughout Eve’s life she touched so many with her kindness and caring nature, and was a very proud, loving, and strongly supportive wife, mother, and grandmother.

For herself, Eve played Bridge, and from all accounts she was a keen and brilliant player. She also became tournament director at the West Coast Bridge Club and, later, after moving down to Shoalwater, at Rockingham Bridge Club.

She also loved the opportunity, and was honoured to return to PLC to mentor young students. Her love for PLC was lifelong, and she was always willing to give back where she could.

Sadly, Eve’s health declined quite suddenly, and she died on 24 January 2024, aged 80. A private funeral was held.

Recent photo of Eve Dethlefsen (Lang 1960)

Janet Marie ‘Jan’ Miller (Bremner 1955)

9 December 1938 – 24 March 2024

By Kirsty Carmody (Miller 1978)

Jan grew up in Dalkeith, the eldest daughter of high school teacher, John ‘Jock’ Bremner and kindergarten teacher Gwen nee Hunt.

In 1952, Jan became the first of her siblings to come to PLC, from Claremont Primary, and was followed by her brother Prof John Bremner (Kindy 1948; 1960 cohort) and sister Margaret Wolfe (Bremner 1963). Jan loved her PLC heritage and attended many Old Collegian events and reunions over the past 65 years. She also loved Scottish music and, especially, the sound of the bagpipes.

After leaving PLC, Jan worked as a bank clerk at the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac), and attended the Presbyterian Fellowship Association (PFA, a youth fellowship) at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Nedlands, where she met Raymond ‘Ray’ Miller, a qualified cabinetmaker and wooden boatbuilder.

Ray, from Nedlands, was also a lay minister and Presbyterian Church missionary, and they married at St Paul’s, where they met, in January 1960.

For the first year of their married life they lived in the Kondinin Parish, before moving back to Perth to build and settle in Melville. In time, they welcomed two children: Kirsty Carmody (Miller 1978) and Mark Miller (OSC 1981).

After Ray retired from the ministry, he established his own woodworking business in O’Connor. They’d been married for 51 years before he died in 2011.

Jan then lived independently at St Ives Retirement Village in Murdoch, during which time she was a dedicated parishioner of the Kardinya Uniting Church and the St Ives Murdoch Parish. In June 2023, she moved into permanent residential aged care at Aegis Shoreline Aged Care, North Coogee, where she died on 25 March 2024, aged 85.

Sub Junior Class, 1952 (1955 Leavers)

Back, L-R: Judy Bessell-Browne, Rae Turnbull, Pam Middleton, Jill Sexton, Sue Patterson, Barbara Allan, Elizabeth Anderson Middle: Jenny Mayrhofer, Nola Buckie, Ann Roberts, Felicity Seale (behind), Prue Vincent, Joan Lugton (half hidden), Janet Bremner Front: Shelley Brownson, Unknown, Barbara Lee

Jan Miller (Bremner 1955) as a young woman.

Jan Miller (Bremner 1955) in recent days.

Nancy Marguerite Dowling (Balstrup 1939)

21 July 1922 – 4 January 2024

Nancy was the younger daughter of Marguerite ‘Rita’ and Charles ‘Mont’ Balstrup. Mont was teaching at Tambellup State School when Nancy was born but in the early 1930s they moved back to Perth, where they lived at 36 Marlowe Street in the new suburb of Wembley Park.

After finishing her schooling at PLC after her Junior Year in 1937, Nancy went on to secretarial college which led to her working at Dalgety & Co, stock and station agents, in Perth.

While she was working at Dalgety in the first years of the war, a troop ship bound for Singapore called in at Fremantle. On it was Nancy’s cousin, George Hedley, who had arranged to come for dinner, and to bring along a couple of mates.

One of those mates was Tom Dowling, who knew George from their days at Geelong College. The path of the rest of Nancy’s life was set that night, but war got in the way, threatening both their futures.

Nancy soon expressed a desire to enlist but being underage, she required her parents’ permission, which Mont refused. In late February 1942, in the wake of the bombings of Darwin and Broome and the Fall of Singapore, he warily relented.

Nancy joined the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) on 15 March 1942 and subsequently served throughout Australia – her final posting with the Rehabilitation Unit in Victoria, at the rank of lieutenant, from which she was discharged in July 1946.

Tom, who had been captured and spent most of his war years working on the Burma Railway as a prisoner of war, survived and returned safely home after the war. He and Nancy married on 5 October 1946 in Geelong, Victoria.

They lived in Lismore, Victoria. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1947. A son, Peter, was born next, but he died at six weeks. A second daughter, Angela, was born in 1952 and the family moved to Glenesk on the NSW/Victorian border.

In 1955, their third daughter, Diana, was born and, in early 1956, the entire area flooded and the family was largely cut off from civilisation for six full months.

Glenesk is where having learned how to shoot guns came in handy for Nancy, in dissuading fishermen from straying too far up the creek on private property, or for taking out the odd snake. On one occasion though, she missed the snake and got the water tank instead!

In Swan Hill, Nancy took up golf and bowls, and became champion at both.

In 1971, Nancy and Tom retired to Buderim, Queensland, where she took up Bridge, learned how to tap dance, played golf, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Tom died in 1997, aged 77, after 50 years of marriage, during which Nancy never stopped rushing off to put fresh lipstick on when Tom was about to arrive home.

Nancy remained in Buderim until 2007 when she moved to Melbourne to be closer to her family, still living independently until recently. This enabled her to spend more time with her eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

While in Melbourne, Nancy lived in an apartment in Brighton East. She was still fit and healthy and, when she turned 100 in 2022, was still everything anyone would want to be, at her age. She was also lucky enough to receive one of the last cards sent from Queen Elizabeth II for her 100th, and it was a highly prized possession.

Nancy died peacefully on 4 January 2024, aged 101.

Nancy Marguerite Dowling (Balstrup 1939) in recent days.

Nancy Marguerite Dowling (Balstrup 1939) as a young woman.

Ineke Kiela-Harlaar (Kiela 1952)

19 July 1935 – 2 March 2023 and Anke van Wyck (Kiela 1951)

26 October 1933 – 29 October 2023

It would be an understatement to say a huge wave of sadness will swell through the PLC community of the 1940s on seeing the deaths of both Anke and Ineke Kiela in this issue; the advice passed on by Ineke’s son Steven Harlaar from the Netherlands.

They were adored by their peers from the minute they arrived on 10 February 1942, having been evacuated from their home in Batavia, Java, the week Singapore fell to the Japanese. Ineke was just six years old; Anke, eight.

Over the years, they caused merry havoc, but lifted everyone’s spirits at a time this was badly needed. PLC legend describes Dr Vera Summers (Principal 1934-1961) asking anyone she was talking to, “Do you know where the Kielas are? Whatever they’re doing, tell them to stop it right now!” It was justified as, one time, Ineke was on the roof of Scorgie House!

The Kiela sisters were here until the end of 1947. During long weekends and holidays (until their mother arrived after the war), they were hosted by Nan Hyde (Martin 1923) and her husband Jim, at Hyde Park in Dalwallinu, and their children Rob and John. The Hydes also hosted their brother Freddy who arrived nine months after the girls, and boarded at Hale.

Both parents were interned as prisoners of war and there was no news of their survival until the Red Cross began releasing lists of survivors. After spending months recovering from her ordeal, the girls’ mother, Mein, travelled to Perth where she rented a home in McNeil Street. They later discovered their father, Yon, had also survived. Their marriage did not survive the war; Yon stayed in Batavia, and Mein returned to Holland with the children.

Both girls married (Anke, twice) and raised families of their own: Ineke in the Netherlands; Anke in the USA.

Ineke came back to PLC a few times over the years, always bringing a gift for the Archives – some beautiful photos, uniform items, documents and other bits and pieces – all greatly appreciated and safe in our care.

Ineke was widowed when her husband, Hans, died in August 2022. During those years, Ineke was diagnosed with, and cured from, breast cancer.

A few months later, she found fluid in her lungs which also heralded cancer, and tests showed it had spread to her liver. With no cure, she died a fortnight later in hospice in Goes, Zeeland, on 2 March 2023, aged 87.

Her sister Anke was always quieter, a deep thinker. Life dealt her some very hard blows, and she keenly felt each one. She lived quietly and simply in her home in Fenton, Michigan.

In October 2022, Anke contracted an infection and she died, with her son Steven-Jan by her side, on 29 October 2022, three days after her 90th birthday.

As Anke said in her PLC memoir (available in our Archives): “Ineke and I spent six years at PLC. Six years might seem like no time at all in the scope of things, but to us it was a lifetime. An important chapter out of our book of development from childhood to adolescence. We walked the hallways and garden paths, so familiar with a true sense of belonging. We knew every corner and crevice of its yard, and every nook and cranny of its layout. Maybe it was old, and even crumbling under the wear and tear of the years, but to us it was home.”

Fred, Anke and Ineke going home after the war, 1948.

L-R: Ineke, Fred and Anke Kiela at Hyde Park, Dalwallinu, May 1944.

Obituaries

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the following Old Collegians, and offer our sincere condolences to their families:

Julian Louise Kerr Brealey (Cameron 1946) 17 May 1929 – 10 August 2019

Bethia Margaret Bryant (Kennedy-Pitchard 1966) 29 March 1949 – 11 February 2024

Bettine Millicent Chapman formerly Paterson OAM (Birdseye 1950) 28 June 1932 – 19 February 2024

Priscilla Elizabeth Helen Clarke (Gibson 1949) 25 August 1931 – 3 January 2024

Diana Isobel Creightmore (1953) 10 April 1936 – 15 April 2024

Meredith Fraser Creightmore (1953) 10 April 1936 – 23 February 2024

Cynthia Estelle Davis (Nainby 1961) 6 April 1944 – 17 July 2023

Eva Christina ‘Eve’ Dethlefsen (Lang 1960) 24 September 1943 – 22 January 2024

Nancy Marguerite Dowling (Balstrup 1939) 21 July 1922 – 4 January 2024

Sonia Florence Geeves (Hill 1942) 8 March 1925 – 27 August 2022

Edith Merlwyn Edmund Howat (Jones 1944) 1 May 1928 – 25 July 2023

Margaret Jean Humphries (Blair 1941) 11 March 1924 – 3 March 2024

Nola Clare Jones (Poole 1949) 14 December 1931 – 19 July 2021

Sidney May Kelly (Morrow 1951) 17 July 1934 – 19 March 2020

Ineke Kiela-Harlaar (Kiela 1952) 9 July 1935 – 2 March 2023

Margaret Gladys Kiepe (Raphael 1940) 17 February 1923 – 15 September 2021

Margaret June Knewstub (Andrew 1963) 15 November 1964 – 18 April 2024

Marjorie Evelyn Latham (Hughes 1949) 27 May 1931 – 30 June 2023

Susan Darton Loeliger (Hack 1959) 7 May 1942 – 31 December 2021

Pamela Margaret McBain (Smith 1947) 21 January 1930 –9 April 2024

Lynette Hazel Millard (Moir 1959) 29 May 1942 – 11 May 2024

Janet Marie Miller (Bremner 1955) 9 December 1938 – 25 March 2024

Johanette Daisy Mitchell (Humphries 1950) 10 April 1933 – 15 January 2024

Helen Elizabeth Moffat (Jackson 1963) 17 June 1946 – 12 November 2023

Sharron Christine Nottle (Poultney 1971) 3 March 1971 – 4 September 2022

Judith Grace Pinnell (Langton 1950) 21 June 1933 – 15 December 2023

Suzanne Margaret Rosier (1956) 15 June 1939 – 22 January 2024

Jeanine Phoebe ‘Janine’ Russell (McColl 1953)

22 December 1935 – 23 February 2024

Penelope Belle Smith (Paterson 1944) 26 December 1927 – 21 May 2023

Ann Rosemary Stewart (Fraser 1955) 21 May 1938 – 28 January 2024

Diana Stickland (Bowers 1954) 31 January 1937– 6 April 2024

Alison Twells Stocker (Miller 1952) 10 November 1935 – 24 March 2024

Carol Esme Taylor (Gill 1954) 21 March 1937 – 27 January 2024

Betty Jeanne Trotter formerly Anderson (Gibbs 1939)

27 July 1922 – 12 April 2024

Wendy Margaret Tushingham (Jago 1946)

20 May 1928 – 24 January 2024

Anke van Wyck (Kiela 1951) 26 October 1933 – 29 October 2023

Dr Sue-Anne Wallace AM (1963)

30 July 1946 – March 2024

We are also deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the following former staff:

Mrs Janet Elizabeth Edmunds Junior School Librarian 1981-2001 12 October 1939 – 18 December 2023

Holiday Programme Serious About Fun

PLC Perth is proud to offer a holiday programme for three days across each school holidays and, due to popular demand, now includes both half-day and full-day options.

The PLC Holiday Programme is open to female students from any school allowing PLC students from Kindergarten to Year 6 to enjoy their holidays with friends and family from other schools.

Each day is unique with students taking part in a variety of specialist sport in the morning, followed by mindfulness, art, performing arts, and service learning in the afternoon.

Programme Co-ordinator and Physical and Health Education Teacher, Mr Matt Donaldson, has designed the programme so that community partners such as the West Coast Eagles, K2 Dance, Gymnastics WA, Netball WA, Perth Scorchers, Mark Lee Football Coaching, and many more strengthen

New Northern Bus Route

PLC was pleased to launch a new school bus route servicing suburbs along the northern coastal corridor commencing from Term 1 this year.

This new service was launched following requests from both current and future PLC families for a bus service before and after school.

PLC recognises that, for some families, getting to school may prove difficult and this is why PLC is constantly seeking to improve the school bus services offered.

This bus new route services Duncraig, Karrinyup, Doubleview, Scarborough, Wembley Downs, and City Beach.

the programme with their specialist coaching.

Years 10, 11 and 12 students are also offered the opportunity assist as part of their Service Learning. This allows them to build connections with students in the younger years, while the students in the programme absolutely adore building positive relationships with their “big sister” buddies from the Senior School.

“We aim to make this programme as enjoyable as possible – from the sports chosen to the level of care the teachers, Senior School student helpers, and external coaches bring. No matter their sporting ability, every student will have fun, make friends, and enjoy the benefits of a programme run by PLC Perth,” Mr Donaldson said.

It’s never been easier to get to PLC

Next PLC Holiday Programme

Duncraig

City Beach

Wembley Downs Scarborough

Doubleview

Karrinyup