contemporary photography in focus girl power …

PLC SYDNEY BIANNUAL MAGAZINE ISSUE 11: WINTER 2014

CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY IN FOCUSFAREWELL MS BARKERWORLD-CLASS SPEAKERSMATHEMATICIANS ON TOURGIRL POWER COMES TO PLC SYDNEYLEADING BY EXAMPLE

PLC Sydney acknowledges the Wangal people, of the Dharug dialect, on whose land the College resides, and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Editor: Mrs Nicole Paull

Contributors: Mrs Linda Chiba, Mr Mark Taylor, Emma Bosco, Ms Johanna Bell, Ms Debby Cramer, Mrs Margaret Middleton, Ms Mia Ilias, Ms Paula McRae, Mrs Rae Gower, Ms Victoria Cull, Belle Nugent, Edwina Hobson, Louise Hannan Cullen, Mrs Joanna Taylor, Ms Jo Knight, Dr Paul Burgis, Ms Virginia Shearer, Edwina Hobson, Louise Hannan Cullen, Heidi Watkins, Maddison Kelly, Leila Bunguric, Ruby Sutherland, Mrs Dianne Balkizas, Milla Karam, Daniel Bosco, Ms Alice Minogue, Mrs Catherine O'Doherty, Mrs Pam Nutt, Mrs Michelle Olsson, Ms Annemaree Noore, Ms Joanna Golotta, Maria Glinellis, Yanna Kokinakos, Ms Therese Bennetts, Mrs Margaret Hinchcliffe, Mrs Nadia Young.

Connect magazine is printed on Sovereign Offset. It is a FSC certified paper and contains fibre sourced only from responsible forestry practices and made with elemental chlorine free pulps.

CONTENTS1 From the Principal

2 Contemporary photography in focus at PLC Sydney

3 PLC Sydney's second Juvenilia Volume

4 Farewell Ms Narelle Barker

6 Year 10 Geography field trip

7 Out and about with the Junior School

8 Leading by example

9 World-class speakers

10 60 seconds with… Mrs Linda Chiba

10 60 seconds with… Mr Mark Taylor

11 The Green Team

12 Ba Vi: A journey in giving and receiving

14 Lest we forget

16 Milla on track for success

17 Book Vultures reading club

18 Mathematicians on tour

19 Junior swimmers shine

20 Profile: Maree Barbar

21 Girl power comes to PLC Sydney

22 Surviving the HSC

23 Boarders' Camp

24 Open Day and Fair a big success

26 Belle Nugent joins Youth at the Zoo

27 My week in boarding: Leila Bunguric

28 Student exchange: A parent's perspective

29 A taste of Year 7

30 Parent Seminars

31 ALUMNI: Johanna Bell's mission to improve Indigenous literacy

32 ALUMNI: Recollections of boarding life

34 ALUMNI: Where are they now?

Above Image: Students performing at the Open Day and Fair.

Cover image: Senior students performing at the annual Carlton Cup for Theatresports at the Audrey Keown Theatre. The girls competed valiantly against the boys from Scots and Newington but unfortunately they were unsuccessful in reclaiming the trophy from the Scots boys.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dr Paul Burgis Executive Principal

THEY ALL TUMBLE IN – a sensible Golden Retriever, an aged and no nonsense Cavoodle and an all paws and fur Spoodle. The Retriever and the Cavoodle sit patiently. The Spoodle cannot contain himself – he leaps enthusiastically. Even after the morsel has been consumed he still leaps and leaps and leaps.

In my comments to our students after showing the clip I said that we can approach learning a little bit like the dogs at my house. At times it is important to be respectful and to wait to receive ‘teacher wisdom’ or the knowledge and understanding gleaned from others, including that gained from a book or screen. Sitting and waiting has the advantage that you can be still and focussed. You are part of a tradition of learning. You respect a canon of beliefs and ideas. It can, however, build a degree of passivity. The activity is done by others: our task is simply to receive it.

If we are like the Spoodle, however, we will be voracious in our learning. We will keep on having a go, even if we land awkwardly or don’t reach our goal. We will try and try and try again. All of this

is learning too. It’s great to know that learning is often imprecise, muddy, and even more effort than result. This keeps us grounded and we lose the tension of the perfectionist. In what has been called the ‘Age of Anxiety’, we can take a committed yet relaxed approach to things.

In these pages you will find examples of students who have built on the fabulous tradition of learning that exists at PLC Sydney, who have applied themselves in a diligent and studious manner, who have been patient and deliberate.

You will also find the risk takers, the creative and energetic, those who believe in persistence.

Enjoy the whole range of learning that is reflected in these pages.

I love PLC Sydney because girls and young women are growing here.

At a recent assembly I showed the Senior students at PLC Sydney vision of our three dogs running into our home each morning. In the short film they wait eagerly until I give them a treat.

ISSUE 11 | WINTER 2014 1

CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY

IN FOCUS AT PLC SYDNEY

EACH YEAR, PLC SYDNEY’S popular prize displays the work of a prominent photographic artist in conjunction with student works. This year, a selection of works by Sydney commercial and fine art photographer Katie Pashley went on exhibition in May.

Ms Pashley’s commercial work involves producing fashion and advertising images for clients including Vogue, Marie Claire and InStyle magazines, and she has exhibited widely with her fine art prints including at the Head On Photographic Festival in 2013.

A large number of entries were received from our PLC Sydney photographic enthusiasts of Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Inspired by the practice of Katie Pashley, the theme ‘The Creative Portrait’ gave our girls the opportunity to capture their unique view of people inspirational in their life; members of family, friends, as well as in a variety of inventive self-portraits.

Ms Pashley, who specialises in portrait photography and won the Australian Human Rights Commission Photographic Award in 2012, was at the official opening on Wednesday 30 April, and as guest speaker opened the exhibitions and presented the student winners with their certificates.

The annual Students’ Photographic Prize in the Adelaide Perry Gallery showcases photographic art as an important and increasingly influential medium in the contemporary art world.

Student works ranged from the light-hearted and whimsical, to the symbolic and reflective. Our budding PLC Sydney photographers provided an insight into the human condition through the emotion, experience and character of each subject captured with considered composition, occasional props and digital manipulation, as well as 35 mm analogue darkroom prints.

The PLC Sydney Foundation has generously sponsored the awards since 2013 and Mrs Lisa Tomlinson-Alonso, Chair of PLC Sydney Foundation, congratulated the student photographers on their efforts on opening night and expressed her gratitude for Ms Pashley’s involvement. Mrs Tomlinson-Alonso presented the prize of a $200 art supplies voucher for Overall Winner to this year’s recipient, Celine Farrugia of Year 6, for her portrait entitled A Reflection of Emptiness; a very carefully considered and thought-provoking image. Celine was inspired by Environmental Activist David Suzuki and his statement “Emptiness which is conceptually liable to be mistaken for sheer nothingness is in fact the reservoir of infinite possibilities."

PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize in conjunction with Katie Pashley was on exhibition 1 May–16 May in the Adelaide Perry Gallery, The Croydon Centre for Art, Design & Technology.

Ms Jo Knight Curator, Adelaide Perry Gallery

A Reflection of Emptiness. Winning photograph by Celine Farrugia of Year 6. Katie Pashley, Halcyon Reeds, 2013. Fine art pigment print on cotton rag.

PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT 2

PLC SYDNEY’S SECOND JUVENILIA VOLUME:

ETHEL TURNER’S TALES FROM THE PARTHENON

Following the success and excitement of our Mary Grant Bruce volume, PLC Sydney has enthusiastically embraced researching and writing for the Juvenilia Press. SPONSORED BY THE University of New South Wales, the Press publishes the juvenile works of writers who become significant authors as adults. Austen, Dickens and Stevenson have been the subjects of recent volumes presented by postgraduate students and their supervising editors across the world.

Our students, some of the very few secondary school contributors to the Press, have been researching the juvenile works of Australian writers. The most recent edition has presented the early work of Ethel Turner, who went on to write Seven Little Australians and established a successful and long-lasting international career.

As a teenager, Turner and her sister, Lilian, established a journal, the Parthenon. It was published in Sydney between 1889 and 1891 and received much praise. Our students have edited some of Ethel Turner’s stories from its Children’s Pages in an exercise that has involved selecting and editing original text, researching aspects of life in Sydney at the time, as well as Turner’s personal history, and writing endnotes and a scholarly introduction. This has been an exercise in academic editing.

The launch of Tales from the Parthenon was held in the Macindoe Research Centre on 21 March by the Principal, Dr Paul Burgis. Professor Christine Alexander, General Editor of the Press, also spoke about the work of the Press and Mrs Philippa Poole, granddaughter of Ethel Turner, was interviewed by Selina Williamson, one of the students working on our third volume.

The students who worked on Tales from the Parthenon were Danica Auld, Phoebe Chen, Clare Courtney, Genevieve French, Alessandra Higgins, Grace Kim, Caelin Kramer, Alysha Nguyen, Emily O’Grady, Vinessa Ruan, Katherine Shen, Claudia Skinner, Hannah Thorp, Isabella Townshend and Alexandra Wang. Our GAP student, Naomi Harris, illustrated the volume.

Mrs Pam Nutt Juvenilia Coordinator

Professor Christine Alexander speaks at the launch.

Selina Williamson with Mrs Philippa Poole. Mrs Poole generously shared her knowledge of her grandmother and supplied visual material for the volume.


MS BARKER WAS BORN IN Adelaide (in the springtime), just after her identical twin sister, Wendy. They grew up in the beach side suburb of Kingston Park – up the bitumen and dirt road from Glenelg. Being on the Gulf of St. Vincent, the water is flat and the spaces are open. Ms Barker recalls the endless places to roam and explore.

Once she commenced her education, it was clear she was the second-born. Ms Barker was never given a note to take home from school. The rule was that the eldest took them home: never mind that she is just twenty minutes older!

Interestingly, Narelle and Wendy were the subject of a number of twin studies in their youth. And they did enjoy each other’s company: they both relished Girl Guides and the outdoors in general. They appreciated the camping and hiking and the wild adventure of it all. Ms Barker graduated to become a Sea Ranger and loved boating, taking part in regattas, ultimately becoming a leader.

Keen to lead the way for other girls, she put up her hand when a male bastion was being addressed. In 1971 the all boy ‘Gang Show’ allowed girls to join. Ms Barker was one of the only 10 girls permitted to participate. These experiences prepared her for teaching. Except for a short time when the red cape and cap attracted her to nursing, she had her heart set on education.

After matriculating high school, Ms Barker

MS NARELLE BARKER

attended Western Teachers College to do an Infant teaching course – it was a two year course with a third year option which she accepted.

Her first appointment was to a small primary school south of Adelaide – Aldinga. It had an enrolment of 60 students and was comprised of a double and a single portable building. She had no classroom of her own but taught in the library. She taught Reception, and Years 1, 2 and 5. All playground duties fell to her and another teacher. Yet it was a place of great freedom and energy. Only three years later a new school of over a thousand students replaced Aldinga and everything changed.

Ms Barker transferred to Unley Infant School where she taught the children of many Greek and Italian families. It was at this time that she commenced a BEd in Applied Linguistics, and it was from this school that she was selected to be an Advisor at the Reading Development Centre. This high level team provided in-service training on the teaching of reading in day and evening courses to established teachers. It was a highlight of her career and the place in which she learnt the most about teaching students to read.

Her return to the classroom occurred at Clapham Primary School. She recalls that it was a tremendous school and this is why she spent more than eight years there, on three

occasions stepping up to be Acting Deputy. She commenced a Graduate Diploma in Education in TESL, was invited to be an Early Literacy in-service course tutor and ran 10 week afternoon courses on the teaching of reading. She piloted this exciting development in education, a program that ultimately transferred to other states.

With this extensive background, it is no surprise that she was the first female Deputy Head at Prince Alfred College - an all boys' school. She was innovative in the role, introducing French in the primary section, leading seventeen 14-17 year old seniors on a trip to USA during the summer holidays, and modelling her leadership on her Principal, Graeme Whisker.

After three and a quarter years she was successful in becoming the Head of Junior School at ‘Wilderness’. She served for three years at this renowned girls’ school, teaching French, Italian and Health whilst leading the community. Highlights included joining staff and students on an 18-hour canoe marathon on the Murray River and setting up a pre-school.

Ms Barker’s second headship was at Palm House, St Peter’s College, a prestigious boys’ school and the longest continuous running school on the mainland in South Australia. She increased the lower section of the school to make it an R-2 school and introduced French R-3. Ms Barker also taught French R-3 and set up a pre-school.

A highlight was being given a staff scholarship to visit Reggio Emilia in Italy to learn about their Early Childhood program. To keep herself ahead of the game she undertook a Graduate Diploma in Education in Computing. Wherever she has been she has always loved getting involved in Book Week dress ups.

Ms Narelle Barker’s father came from Kadina (known both as part of the Copper Triangle and ‘Little Cornwall’) and her mother from Sydney. Their romance blossomed in Sydney and soon after there was a proposal. As a newly married couple they moved to Adelaide for ‘a couple of years’. Her mother is still there!

Farewell to Ms Narelle Barker who is retiring after 11 years as the Head of Junior School at PLC Sydney.

FAREWELL


After a long and distinguished career in South Australia, Ms Barker recalled a dream to work in Sydney. Melbourne never appealed. PLC Sydney has been her period of longest service - 11 years in total. An advocate of change and growth, she enjoys starting new challenges. She has enjoyed working with the PLC Sydney staff and community and seen many girls develop over her time of leadership here. In a career with many highlights, one was her trip to Harvard to do a Principals' summer course on leadership.

Her favourite places are Hong Kong, Scotland, Switzerland and Canada. Do we get the impression that she likes the high country?

Always a dog lover, Ms Barker had her new pup accompany her to PLC Sydney. It was an adventure they undertook together.

Now that she is ‘retiring’, she hopes to do some ESL teaching at TAFE or work part-time in a shop like Sportscraft. Whether she will end up in Adelaide or Sydney is anybody’s guess.

We know she will be involved in community service and will look to support others. Ms Barker has made a tremendous contribution to PLC Sydney and we honour her career. As she leaves us, we remember her dedication to her students and her strong sense of ‘getting it right’. A lover of Mickey Mouse and of fun in learning, we also recall her in some pretty ‘cool’ outfits too. She has committed her life to the education of young people: it is a noble and worthy thing.

She is an educator who has remembered 1 Timothy: 4:12: Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in goodness.

Always looking to promote the education of young children, Ms Barker will be missed. We wish her all the best in the years ahead.

Dr Paul Burgis Principal

As a wonderful farewell gift, the Junior School presented Ms Barker with a beautiful book full of drawings, messages and poems from the students. A selection from the book is shown.

There once was a lady, Ms Barker, With great elegance she was a hard worker, She persisted and is determined to keep our school groovy, We were taught by the master, she should be in a movie, Enjoys her occupation and always grows smarter.

A snappy dresser is she, Her shoes match the outfit perfectly, Not a hair out of place, There’s a smile on her face, Head of the Junior School, naturally.

You come and support our sport, And cheer beside the netball court, All dressed in red, Early out of bed, Wednesday is the day you report.

We have been here since Reception, And had a friendly connection, Thank you for caring, Thank you for sharing, We thank you for all the affection!


The Year 10 Geography coastal field trip to Long Reef and Collaroy beaches on 24 March enabled students to investigate the coastal environment and support the Coastal Management topic being studied in class.

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP

THE MAIN AREA OF STUDY was the human impact on the dune system and the management strategies being implemented to protect the dunes from erosion.

The dune systems of the two beaches were being very differently managed. Long Reef had an obvious series of well vegetated dunes, whereas it was difficult to distinguish the dunes on Collaroy Beach. The foredune had been extensively built on and rock walls had been constructed to protect

the foundations of buildings from inundation from destructive storm waves.

The Warringah Council has implemented a variety of programs to assist with management of these dunes. It has been recognised that there is the likelihood of greater threats with global warming and the increased threat of sea level changes.

Students had an opportunity to use a variety of instruments to measure the impact of wind on the dunes and to construct a transect of the beach and dune system. The instruments used included clinometers, tape measures, thermometers, anemometers and digital cameras.

To construct the transect the students worked in groups. Recordings were taken of the berm, incipient dune, foredune and swale. Tape measures were used to record the horizontal distance for each section, whilst

the angle of the slope was determined with the help of clinometers. With this information the students were able to construct a cross-section or transect of Long Reef Beach.

The students worked energetically and co-operatively throughout the day; listening, recording, gathering information and using a variety of instruments. We were very fortunate as storm clouds threatened us all day, and whilst it was pouring with rain back at school, the first drops of rain only fell as we boarded the buses for the return trip.

Mrs Margaret Hinchcliffe Head of Social Sciences


YEAR 4 VISIT TO THE HYDE PARK BARRACKSYEAR 4 STUDENTS visited the Hyde Park Barracks as part of their HSIE topic of British Colonisation. We looked at how the convicts lived when they arrived in Sydney and what they did in their everyday lives.

The girls loved testing out the hammocks and using historical information to create their own convict identity picture (for example, he had a scar in the shape of an anchor on his right forearm). Following the excursion the girls wrote reflections on the visit to the Barracks.

Ms Alice Minogue Year 4 Teacher

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

TIME AND CHANGE WITH YEAR 1

On Friday 9 May, Year 1 enjoyed a fantastic incursion called Time and Change. This wonderful learning opportunity allowed the girls to explore beautiful artefacts from the past. Girls had the opportunity to explore the visiting museum, make peg dollies and write with pen and ink. They also manipulated meccano to make a see-saw, just like children of yesteryear.

Outside in the Evandale playground, Year 1 got their first experience of washing clothes by hand. They had scrubbing boards, basins and soap. They all learnt so much from the experience.

Thank you to our parent helpers who assisted us on the day.

Mrs Catherine O'Doherty Year 1 Teacher

REFLECTIONS

I learnt that the convicts had to wear 6 kg handcuffs on their ankles. At most, the handcuffs weighed 18 kg. In the barracks, there were holes in the wall so the soldiers could look through the holes to see the convicts. I learnt that someone tried to escape. Every 100th brick that they made, they put a hole in the brick.

Rhiane Fotaras

I learnt that the convicts had to wear chains around their feet and their hands while they were working so they couldn't escape. The food was so yucky. If the convicts stole something, they had to go to court and the judge would see what punishment they would have. Some convicts had tattoos. There were guards in the front of the barracks to see if the convicts escaped.

Sarina Liu

I learnt that the convicts only got two meals a day. The convicts had dinner at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. They slept in hammocks. The guards had peeking holes in the walls to see if the convicts were being good.

Ella Garnett


On Monday 31 March, the 24 PLC Sydney Junior School Captains attended the National Young Leaders Day, run by the Halogen Foundation. It was held at the QANTAS Credit Union Arena in Darling Harbour.

The day is an annual event to develop strong leadership for young Australians. Approximately 6000 students from all over NSW and the ACT attended the day and everyone learnt a lot and had a great time.

When we arrived at the arena, we were asked to be microphone runners. This meant that we sat at the front and held the microphone for children from different schools at question time.

On the day there were five speakers. The first speaker was Mike Martin, Executive Director of the Halogen Foundation. He talked of the influence you have on others as a leader and how no two leaders have the same character and style. He implied that the differences in our leaders was a good thing. He also explained how all leaders should make a safe environment - physically, intellectually and emotionally, creating a happier place to be. Fair and equal opportunities should be accessible for all students. He said that all leaders need to have the ability to experience others' feelings.

All good leaders should know about empathy. His main thought about leadership was that "nothing great, cool or everlasting ever starts out that way." This encourages us to be confident that someone will always believe in you and that you have the ability to make a difference.

The second speaker was the Honourable Bob Carr, former Foreign Minister and Premier of NSW. He talked about how it is natural for all leaders to have self-doubt and to think that people don't want to listen to you. He also said that a good leader is the one that holds the door open or goes out of their way to give or do something for someone else. He used the example of research into dolphins, which found that they help other species and don't expect anything back, as they are willing to help. This is opposed to dogs that expect a treat or praise when they do a trick or catch the ball. He described how leadership enables you to demonstrate what is right and how you have the ability to make a difference. His example was that when he

was Premier he was able to create 100 new national parks, protecting natural terrains and habitats. This is a positive outcome for our environment! One of his main thoughts was "you can do it!” This notion encourages you to do something that makes a difference despite any self-doubt.

The third speaker was Coen Ashton, Ambassador for Organ Donation. Coen is a young boy who, after spending most of his life as a child in hospital, now has a healthy pair of adult lungs. He shared a very inspirational and emotional story about his battle with cystic fibrosis. Coen had a double-lung transplant a few years ago and, as he reflected on his story, you could hear a pin drop in the arena. We know that everyone felt very moved and inspired as Coen described how he spent most of his life in hospital, on oxygen. He was one of thousands that were desperately waiting on a long list for someone to donate their lungs.

Coen's story was one that demonstrated great leadership. He reassured everyone in his life that he was going to be fine, no matter how many times the doctors informed him he was not going to make it. Coen fought through all his challenges and, in doing so, his message to us was to always keep moving forward, keep focused, remain determined and always live life to the maximum. When Coen was told he was going to die, he didn't believe the doctors. At that stage, he realised he only had one choice, and that was to make the most of every opportunity he was given. So, he rode on a jet ski down the length of the Murray River, when he only had 30% lung capacity and which he said was like breathing through a straw. This took him 7 weeks. Can you imagine how tough that would be? With his new set of lungs he was able to do this again, but in just 7 days, which was something that he felt was a surreal experience.

The next speaker was Andy Griffiths, a children's author who most were familiar with. He has written classics like The Tree House series. Andy taught us to understand what talents we bring to a team.

He also focused on how we should use our imagination and think up resolutions to problems and to overcome situations. ‘Think ahead’ was his key message. A leader such as Andy, needed to practise as much as possible, and when he makes mistakes he looks at them as opportunities to learn. His humour and experience led him to where he is now.

The final speaker was Ita Buttrose, the 2013 Australian of the Year. Ita was yet another inspirational speaker. Her story was one that was filled with lots of ups and downs, but her main message was to follow our dreams, and that no one can dream our dreams. To listen to our heart was an important message. As a leader we need to respect one another and have the determination to succeed. You need to enjoy your work and don't let anyone lead you to where you don't want to go. Your life's journey will take you in many different directions, you will come across obstacles in life and it's how you choose to learn from these obstacles that really matters. Ita was very inspiring, as she didn't mind what anyone thought of her, it’s how she thought of herself that really mattered.

It was a very inspiring day for all the participants that attended. We are thankful to have heard from an interesting and diverse range of speakers. They are all leaders in their own special way. It is clear that we can all make a difference by being effective leaders. An important message from the day was that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader, by developing your individual style and being true to yourself.

Heidi Watkins and Maddison Kelly Junior School Captain and Vice-Captain

LEADING BY EXAMPLE


THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE AN international English language debating and public speaking tournament which requires senior high school students to interact and collaborate with like-minded peers from diverse and different schools, cultural backgrounds and countries. The five events include Parliamentary Debating, Impromptu Speaking, Persuasive or After Dinner Speaking and Interpretive Reading.

The Championships are aligned with the ideals of excellence, identity, and the art of expression, that is, the ability to communicate and gain recognition and respect for ones ideas and opinions. It targets tomorrow's leaders - students in a global market who must learn to interact and collaborate with like-minded peers from all around the world.

This challenging environment provided an avenue for our students not only to practise and test their oratorical skills but to value the importance of freedom of speech. They were able to foster new friendships, were given deeper insights into the matters of the world and strengthen their tolerance and understanding of others.

The event was held in the beautiful town of Druskininkai and the wonderful capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. The Lithuanian Parliament welcomed us for the Grand Finals and the final night Banquet was in the Palace of the Grand Dukes.

The Keynote speaker, Arnoldas Pranckevicius, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the European Parliament

was an inspiration to all the speakers. He emphasised how important public speaking has been in his career and was very thankful for the training and opportunities he was given as a student.

Laura and Melinda achieved very good results in all sections, with Melinda in the top 40 percent of all her sections and Laura being placed equal eighth in the world in After Dinner Speaking. They sum up the experience by saying…

“We were lucky enough to participate in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships held in Lithuania. This competition challenged the parameters of both expression and logical thought as we participated in a variety of different events.

“To have our thoughts and opinions valued on such a prestigious platform was both an honour and a joy. Founded on the values of respect for others' ideas and values, the competition inspired leadership, on a global scale. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to represent the PLC Sydney community and Australia in a competition of this magnitude and on the world stage. We would like to thank the PLC Sydney Foundation and community for their support and encouragement. We would encourage all students to participate in public speaking competitions in the future - the opportunity to have your voice be heard is simply priceless."

Ms Therese Bennetts Head of Public Speaking and Speech

WORLD-CLASS SPEAKERSStudents, Laura Batchelor-Sharp (Year 11) and Melinda Walsh (Year 12) earned a place on the Australian team competing in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships in Lithuania.

Main image: Ms Bennetts in Lithuania with Laura Batchelor-Sharp (centre) and Melinda Walsh.

Middle: Laura in action at the Championships.

Below: Melinda and her mother, Mrs Tracey Walsh with Arnoldas Pranckevicius, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the European Parliament.


When did you start working at PLC Sydney and what position were you working in?

I started working at PLC in 2000, on 26 March (my daughter’s birthday) as a Maintenance Carpenter.

What have you enjoyed most about your role?

Working as a Maintenance Carpenter allows me to work across a variety of jobs such as driving the girls in the bus, general maintenance around the school and assisting with functions that the school holds.

What is one of your funniest memories of your time at PLC Sydney?

When I first started at the school I had an old 1979 Holden Commodore. I parked it in the school car park and later that day an email went around saying a Holden Commodore had been dumped and left in the staff car park. Let’s just say the boys had a good laugh at this and still do years later.

SECONDS WITH…

When did you start teaching?

I started teaching in 1987 as a Japanese teacher at Blakehurst High School.

Have you always been a teacher or have you had other careers before teaching?

After teaching for a few years I moved into the private sector using my Japanese language skills for research and translation. I also spent a few years living and teaching in Japan.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?

I loved the idea of teaching children since I was a child. I wanted to teach Australian students the Japanese language for which I have a great passion and engender in them the passion I have for the language and culture. What other profession is there that can make such a lasting impact of the lives of others? Many of my students have gone on to have careers using their language skills in a variety of careers in law, commerce, in international relations and policy.

What has been your greatest challenge in the classroom?

I have never found being in a classroom a challenge really - it is the place I feel the most relaxed and in flow and fully engaged. It brings me joy.

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DEPUTY PRINCIPAL MAINTENANCE CARPENTER

Mrs Linda Chiba Mr Mark Taylor

What do you enjoy most about being involved in education?

Empowering young people to be their best possible self.

Seeing a potential future in the present.

Engaging daily with the energy and vitality of young people.

Working with colleagues who are like-minded and committed to similar ideals and belief.

Being in an environment of future hope and positivity.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is watching and supporting my students strive for and then reach their goals and having a sense that somewhere I have had some input into it. It is rewarding to watch girls grow into accomplished young women who want to make the world a better place.

Do you have a most memorable career point to date?

The work I did on bringing primary Japanese language programs via satellite into the classrooms of rural and regional NSW was ground breaking in the 90s. Being appointed Deputy Principal at PLC Sydney has been a major highlight and a great honour.

What has been your greatest influence?

The love of Jesus.

Do you have any interests/hobbies?

I am passionate about positive psychology and I have a secret ambition to go to the University of Pennsylvania and to study under Martin Seligman.

What is your motto in life?

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)


What is the greatest challenge of working in Maintenance?

I’m pretty lucky in my job as there are no major challenges; however I really enjoy being given carpentry projects that challenge me to be creative. It’s great to be able to deliver something that is high quality and suits everyone’s needs.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I think the most rewarding part of my job is being able to design and build things like equipment, props, furniture, etc. and being able to see the benefits these have on the staff and girls at the school.

Do you have a most memorable career point to date?

Going to East Timor a few years back had to be the most memorable experience to date. I was lucky enough to be able to work with the local schools there and build new play equipment for the kids. We also provided toys and clothes to the local children and it was amazing to see the smiles and appreciation this brought to their faces.

Who has been your greatest influence?

I think that would have to be my mother. She was a very strong woman who raised my brother and I as a single parent and gave us the courage to do anything in life. She always showed us that no matter what, we could succeed.

Do you have any interests/hobbies?

I love going to rugby league and soccer games, especially when Sydney FC plays at home.

What is your motto in life?

If you’re going to do something, do it right.

THE GREEN TEAM consolidates the College’s environmental goals and creates achievable student based goals to reflect and support these. Members are encouraged to enter and attend various environmental competitions and conferences throughout the year. The Green Team runs the 'Enviroweek' activities and promotes sustainable living across all cohorts.

This term the Green Team participated in Targona Zoo's ‘They're calling on you’ campaign. The campaign aims to collect used mobile phones and recycle them. The recycling of the phones is of particular interest to the Zoo, as all mobile phones contain a mineral called coltan. By recycling the coltan we reduce the need for it to be mined in south eastern Africa and can therefore prevent the loss of habitat for Gorillas and other primates that live in these areas.

We have also established an inivitaive where by we will take responsibility for recycling soft drink cans when they are sold at stalls throughout the year. Everytime a stall is on that sells cans, the Green Team will place a specially decorated recycling bin out to collect the cans.

In 2013 the Green Team started the ‘Great Coffee Cup’ Challenge. With cups collected from the school we are planning to create a cubby house as an illustration that items we throw out everyday can be utilised for other purposes! We hope to have the cubby house ready for display by Term 3.

Ms Victoria Cull Science Teacher and Green Team Co-ordinator

THE GREEN TEAM

Green Team members taking part in the ‘Great Coffee Cup’ Challenge.

The Green Team is a co-curricular club run at PLC Sydney. We meet once a fortnight and look at environmental issues and sustainability at the College.


BA VI: A JOURNEY IN GIVING AND

RECEIVING

THIS CENTRE, LOCATED IN BA VI, a rural area in Northern Vietnam, is a place in dire need of staff and resources. Year 11 will continue to raise funds and our school community will continue to give what we can. What we must also acknowledge is that the Ba Vi experience gives our students far more than we will ever provide in return. Our students return to Australia with more room in their hearts for compassion and a yearning in their spirits for change. Two students share their reflections.

Ms Joanna Golotta Drama Teacher

We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to take willing Year 11 students to Vietnam in the Easter holidays each year. For the past three years PLC Sydney has funded an orphanage for people with disabilities.

My experience in Vietnam will be a memory that I will remember forever as my perspective on life has changed in various ways. The Ba Vi Orphanage was the highlight for all of us. We were shocked and overwhelmed by the living circumstances the people had to endure. However, when we saw the happiness in their eyes and smiles on their faces, we understood that this is all they know and they enjoyed every opportunity provided to them.

One stand out experience at the orphanage was getting to know the unique personalities of all the children and adults. There is 'Miss Bossy', an older resident who is deaf but has a tendency to boss everyone around. We HAD to shake her hand every time we walked passed her. Then a little boy in the high dependency room, who looked three, but was really eight, with curled in hands and feet. He is an incredibly smart boy and understands what is going on, but sadly does not have the opportunity to discover his true potential in life. I saw the world through his eyes and looked at how his life is contained in one room. I began to think of all I have and look at situations differently. I have learnt that worrying about the petty things in life is redundant in reality.

PLC Sydney has done a lot for the orphanage, which is amazing to see. It was wonderful to see the new high-support wheelchairs being used by the children who barely leave their cots. Ba Vi will always remain a special memory to me and I am definitely going back to see the changes and developments.

Maria Glinellis, Year 11


A moving experience that stands out to me, happened during our second day at the orphanage. In the afternoon, I found myself talking t o a boy who was in the high-dependency area for teenagers and adults. At first we assumed that he could only speak Vietnamese, although when we started to ask questions, he responded in almost perfect English. I asked him questions such as: “What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?” He responded perfectly as well as asking us questions right back. This was my favourite day because it taught me that there are a large amount of children in the orphanage who are highly intelligent, but are held back by a physical disability.

It was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that if this boy lived in Australia, he would have more chances at succeeding in education and employment. His current situation means that he does not have the opportunity to go to school.

I believe that if we raise more money, the Ba Vi Orphanage could employ teachers so the children could learn basic reading and writing skills and even English.

Yanna Kokinakos, Year 11


LEST WE FORGET

Each year PLC Sydney commemorates the Anzac legend and recognises the sacrifices made by many, both past and present, at assemblies in the Senior and Junior Schools.

YEAR 8 STUDENT Ruby Sutherland gave the Anzac Service Address at the Senior School assembly. The address was a moving account of her stepfather’s involvement in the armed forces. Ruby shares her address ‘Serving Australia with Pride’ here with the rest of the College community.

At dawn on the 25 April 1915, the soldiers of the Australian New Zealand Army Corps landed at Anzac Cove Gallipoli. Their bravery, comradeship, courage and good humour demonstrated on the bloody slopes of Gallipoli have since become legend. This spirit of the Anzacs has become so ingrained in our society and who we are, it is still demonstrated to this day, in our modern Service personnel and our peacekeeping forces.

So what is the Anzac legend? As a newly created federation, Gallipoli was Australia’s first opportunity to earn the respect of other nations, and demonstrate to the world our strong national character. Despite the chaos and destruction that surrounded the Aussies, they were still able to maintain their distinctive good humour, courage and overwhelming sense of mateship. It was these characteristics that stuck in the minds of our allies and is a proud stereotype that has lasted 100 years.

Today I would like to talk to you about a serviceman who I think encompasses the Anzac spirit, my stepfather Glen Farrawell. When I think about examples of the Anzac spirit demonstrated in a modern day context, my stepdad Glen Farrawell comes to mind. Today he is serving as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, currently deployed as the Head Engineer on board HMAS Benalla. In September 1999 his service to the Royal Australian Navy saw him deployed to the East Timorese crisis.

His tour of duty in September 1999 to Dili, East Timor saw attacks by anti-independence militants on civilians, which expanded to general violence throughout the whole of East Timor. Approximately 1400 civilians are believed to have died during this period. A United Nations lead force consisting mainly of Australian Defence Force personnel were deployed to East Timor to establish and maintain peace. My stepdad, Glen Farrawell, was a part of this peace keeping force.

His role as a sailor, engineer and peacekeeper on his Naval vessel thrust him head first into the conflict. Like the young and enthusiastic Anzac soldiers, my stepfather went to East Timor with the Anzac spirit, that is, a willing participant eager to help in any way he could despite the danger he and his comrades faced by entering a war zone.

I recall him telling me about the “explosions, fires and shootings that were occurring with great frequency in Dili, (East Timor’s Capital), and even worse, the human atrocities that were occurring in the surrounding outlying areas.” In true Anzac spirit however, he and his team were able to maintain local and internal morale and optimism. My stepfather has since described to me the atmosphere amongst the Aussie troops that were there as “a sense of let’s all get in and get this done so that we can help these poor innocent people who are suffering.”

You know, when I think of my stepfather and the Anzacs, the saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ comes to mind. Despite a death toll in the thousands, the Anzacs were able to keep fighting for months on end, never giving up.

When my stepdad’s ship was attacked by militants, and then declined entry into East Timor, his ship was then ordered to return to Darwin to unload normal stores, re-arm and reload the ship, with not only military hardware but humanitarian aid supplies.

He and his shipmates pushed themselves to work even harder, unloading and reloading the ship in record time. They then distributed these stores that were needed to protect and provide shelter to the people of East Timor. He says it was in situations like these, that he really discovered what the Anzac legend was, and how it reflects the current Navy's five core values of “HONOUR, HONESTY, COURAGE, INTEGRITY and LOYALTY.”

My stepfather’s actions in East Timor demonstrate the Anzac spirit and its continuing impact today. It’s not hard to see why I am such a proud daughter, and Australian, seeing the Anzac legacy live on in him and many other Australian servicemen and women who serve and fight for our freedom.

What the Anzacs did was heroic and brave, and something we can be proud of.

Anzac Day is not so much about loss, but rather a celebration of what we gained as a nation at Gallipoli. It has become a celebration of the human spirit, not of war. Demonstrating their courage, love of country, mateship and good humour in the face of dreadful odds, the Anzacs were vital in the foundation of our nationhood and national spirit. I am proud to be a part of this culture and thank those who continue to work and serve in order to protect it.

The Anzac spirit lives on in all of us, and as Australians we are proud of this, and we will continue to embrace and celebrate what ‘our Anzacs’ mean to us all.


The following poems were read at the Year 6 Anzac Service.

War

At night, the guns were readied, waiting for a signal, Now was the time to fire, a matter of life and death, Zeppelins hovered over us, A bomb fell from the sky, Courage was our only hope, We must survive the night.

Jacqueline Ciofani

On the Battlefield

Soldiers fighting on the front line, Nurses desperately aiding the wounded, Families at home, worried, anxious, While enemies in the dark, lurk. Tanks crawling, ready to fire, Bullets spitting out from flying planes, Bayonets spiking the enemy, Army men taking aim. Down men are falling, As bullets pierce their flesh, Horse, frantic and panicking, Soldiers cower, what a mess. When a war is finally over, Soldiers fought with all their might, Many, many innocent people dead, Was it really worth the fight?

Miriam Ly

Poppies

Place them next to your loved one’s name, Only red poppies, Place to remember our soldiers who have sadly passed away, Put them around the coffins, They resemble sadness, Everyone can place a poppy next to a name, Sorry for a family’s loss.

Jacqueline Koutsoubos

DURING THE WAR MEMORIAL VISIT, students had the chance to learn more about the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. Following the tour of the War Memorial students wrote moving poems about the experience of war.

Poppies, to Remember

As the glorious morning sky drifts by, More audacious sons say goodbye, Prayers and hopes go along the voyage, For a safe return and so much courage. Poppies lie still on the wall, Placed by us to remember them all, As visitors glance by and mourn, Soldiers elapse, as families are torn. Let’s honour our brave soldiers, Let’s honour them with pride, So much sacrifice risking their all, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Celine Ferrugia

The Poppy Wars

The ground is empty, But will never be sound and never be empty, While the cannons don’t fire, I have this desire, The nightmares don’t stop, When I see those black lines and spots, The lies never stop, As my fight is sound deep beneath the ground, The poppy wars are right now.

Matilda Bland

In Term 1 the Year 6 Camp headed off to Canberra, visiting significant and interesting buildings such as Parliament House, the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian War Memorial.

War

War What is it good for? Why? Why go to war? Filled with the names of the dead I wonder why?

War What is it good for? There is no glory War is sad Families are lost Times are bad All at a great cost.

War what is it good for? A grave holds a soldier unknown, A family’s despair Years go by Not knowing how, not knowing where. War What is it good for?

Maddie Whip


FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS of her fellow divers Elizabeth Macarounas and Grace Kleppich, Milla is on track for success.

What sports are you involved in?

I am involved in Diving and Swimming.

How old were you when you became involved in these sports?

I started Diving when I was in Year 3 (Michelle and Marley are my coaches) and I began swimming lessons when I was only four-months-old. I entered my first swimming competition when I was in Kindy.

MILLA ON TRACK FOR SUCCESSHaving achieved success in two sports at a young age, Year 5 student Milla Karam already knows the dedication required to reach the top.

How did you get involved in your chosen sports?

I became involved in Gymnastics at school and I was in the Learn to Swim program with Judy Moras and then went through squads at PLC Sydney.

What are some of the challenges you face with juggling school work and competing/training?

I train every weekday morning and afternoon so I do my homework on the weekends. My teachers understand.

What do you like to do when you are competing or doing school work?

I like Lego, trampolining and playing with friends and my brothers.

Where do you train?

I train with PLC Sydney Diving and with NSWIS at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) and for Swimming I train with Nicole Elliot in the Rep Squad at PLC.

What is the next event you will be competing at?

For Diving I will be competing at the Nationals in July in Melbourne and for Swimming it is now the winter season so there are no meets until later in the year.

What do you think has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?

Qualifying first for Nationals in Diving this year at the State Diving Championships, as well as winning the 10 years CIS Breaststroke Champion this year at SOPAC and making State with my PLC friends in the relay at SOPAC.


THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE in the first year was to decide on a name that would sound enticing and attract students to join. I remember that we ran a competition to select a name but nothing really surfaced other than argument and dispute, despite a very attractive book prize.

Around that time, I was weeding books from the fiction section of the library and I had gathered up about 400 books to discard. I suggested to the Book Club members that they might like to take some before I offered the rest to the Pet Show Committee to sell on a stall. One recess time, the girls descended on the books like bees to honey and began to compete for the books. Before the bell rang for class, every book had been taken. Apologies to the Pet Show Committee! When I commented that the girls reminded me of a pack of hungry vultures descending on a carcass to tear it to bits, we realised that we had our name, Book Vultures!

We still meet every Monday at recess and the girls from all year levels come along and talk about books in the library. It is a very relaxed group although there have been occasions when fur has flown, as on the occasion when we had a debate on the merits of Manga fiction. Are girls meant to threaten and shriek at one another? Luckily, the arguments have always ended happily.

Students take it in turn to give a talk on an author, a book or a favourite series. Fantasy still seems to be the favourite genre amongst the Book Vultures but they all do read other books. As part of their membership role, students eagerly suggest new titles to be bought for the library, or, suggest new series that are too good to be missed. The regular film and pizza parties are very popular with the girls who seem to have become accustomed to never seeing a film to its end before the bell goes for the end of lunch.

A couple of times a year in the holidays, we go on book buying excursions to the city. Kinokuniya is a favourite place to go as it is big, has a large selection of books, a great Manga section and a café. I give the students a little guidance and they go off in different directions and bring back piles of books which we then sort through and see what we all like. Everyone enjoys the thrill of selecting and buying books and it is a great opportunity to purchase books that students are keen to read.

Everyone is welcome to join Book Vultures and we are very happy for new members to come along. A couple of Year 12 students, who had been members since Year 7, told me at the end of last year that the thing they would really miss about leaving PLC Sydney was not being able to come to Book Vultures.

Mrs Joanna Taylor Director of Information Services

BOOK VULTURES

READING CLUB

The Book Vultures Reading Club began in 2006 when we were in the previous library building. The idea was to have a

forum where students could come and talk about their favourite books, hear about new ones and argue over the merits of different

writers and genres.


THE GIRLS EXPERIENCED the diversity of each city through cultural, educational and mathematical activities. We visited the Smithsonian museums and monuments that included a tour of the Air and Space Museum which related to scientific developments with Mathematics as the source of progress.

NYC offered the Maths Museum which incorporated sessions on cryptography and knot theory. Mathematics was explored in a different way and many found success in their application to critical thinking. The Financial District Tour, along Wall Street, highlighted the historical significance of this famous area. The girls were involved in activities such as trading shares on the ‘make believe’ trading floor. The first activity

MATHEMATICIANS ON TOUR

was against a team from a Boston College and the other was a lesson by a Wall Street trader that had diversified his mathematical interests after graduating from MIT. The girls were amazed that after five rounds of trading they were very close to the actual commodity price. Congratulations to the future traders!

One of the highlights of the tour was meeting Professor George Hart, a research professor at Stony Brook University and an interdisciplinary sculptor, mathematician, computer scientist, and educator. He is a

The Mathematics Tour of the USA included visits to New York City (NYC), Boston and Washington during the April school holidays. The 16 students from Years 7 to 11 were accompanied by Mrs P Pollett, Mrs D Balkizas and Miss V Rossides.

diverse mathematician that has incorporated many applications of Mathematics to create mathematical sculptures by looking at the symmetry of each creation. The girls were involved in a two hour workshop in which they looked at mathematical puzzles, 3-D printer technology and the construction of a mathematical sculpture overseen by Professor Hart. Once again the girls were engaged in applying their skills and knowledge from a subject area some find challenging. The girls welcomed this opportunity to experience mathematics differently and successfully.

The visit and tour of both Harvard and MIT showed us the historical significance of these famous institutions and the process required for admission. The volunteer guides were students from the tertiary institutions and their engaging anecdotes gave insight into life at Harvard and MIT. Overall, the inaugural Maths Tour to the USA was a great success in terms of learning and engaging in critical thinking. The girls developed relationships while on tour that will undoubtedly stay with them for life.

Mrs Dianne Balkizas Mathematics Teacher

Students participating in the workshop at Professor Hart’s studio.


THE GIRLS ARE SWIMMING well with impressive results at major competitions including the IPSHA NSWCIS and State Swimming Championships this year. And for the first time, both the Junior (10 years and under) and Senior (11-12 years) relay teams progressed to the NSWPSSA Championships.

The teams performed well with the Junior team reaching the final and placing fourth in NSW and the Senior team placing in the top 10 in the State.

The Junior team consisted of Breena Tsoltoudis, Milla Karam, Zoe Leckie, Yasmine Sulyok and reserve Tidarat McLaughlan and the Senior team members were Ella Fraser, Heidi Watkins, Jasmine Higgs and Alexandra McDougall.

The girls really enjoy having the opportunity of competing together. Yasmine said, “It was an awesome experience competing with your friends at State.” Zoe and Breanna both agree: "It was great fun being part of the replay team as swimming is such an individual sport.”

All of the girls belong to the PLC Sydney Swim Club and train at the College’s Aquatic Institute 3-5 times per week. The relay teams also have specialist training sessions at lunchtime with coach Nicole Elliott, Aquatic Institute Director Mrs Karen Stephenson

JUNIOR SWIMMERS SHINEThe prowess of the Senior School swimmers is well known, with the team performing at a high level at their meets. However the performance of the Junior School swimmers is now also attracting attention in the pool.

and Junior School Co-curricular Coordinator, Ms Virginia Shearer.

Ms Shearer said that it can be difficult for the swimmers to organise all of their commitments. “The girls juggle their training commitments together with school work and other co-curricular activities with such grace. Despite the challenges, the girls always have smiles on their faces and just get on with their work.”

Ms Shearer believes the recent success of the team is largely a result of the Year 2 swimming squad that she introduced five years ago. “The squad was introduced in order to target strong swimmers much earlier than we had in the past. We are now starting to reap the rewards of this program, demonstrated through the girls’ latest success.”


BORN AND RAISED A COUNTY GIRL, Marlee began Gymnastics from eight years of age, training at the ‘Gymnastics Academy of Albury Wodonga’. By the age of 10, Marlee was training 20-hours per week in the clubs high performance program. Marlee quickly went through the levels and at age 13 Marlee competed in the Level 7 State Finals. This should have been the start of a great career for Marlee however her club closed its doors shortly after, leaving Marlee out of a place to train in her beloved sport. Lucky for Marlee a friend suggested that she give Diving a try. Marlee took to the sport from her very first lesson and was easily able to transfer the skills she learnt in Gymnastics to Diving. Within a year Marlee was competing in State and National competitions.

After three years of training in minimal facilities in Albury, Marlee moved to Sydney with her mum to train full-time. It was a big sacrifice as Marlee’s dad and brothers had to stay on the family farm in Walla Walla. Within 18 months of moving to Sydney Marlee claimed the Australian All Schools 17+ Platform title and won two medals at the Asia Pacific Rim Diving Championships.

MARLEE BARBERPROFILE:

Diving CoachDuring her time in Diving, Marlee had her first experience of working on a TV set when she was asked to double Xenia Goodwin for the TV series Dance Academy. Marlee took a 'six foot leap' which placed a little seed in Marlee’s mind which would later come into play.

From a very young age Marlee was interested in pole vault and had an opportunity to try the sport whilst living in Sydney with her mum. In her first season as a pole vaulter Marlee won the NSW Open State title and went on to win the title again the following year. Marlee held a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport targeted athlete program.

Then in 2012, Marlee was asked to work as a stunt double for the Farmer Wants a Wife Olympic TV commercial. You may remember the advertisement when a woman pole vaults wearing a full wedding gown. That was our Marlee!

In 2012 Marlee ceased all competitive sport and commenced studying Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney whilst training to gain Stunt Action Person grading, which she completed earlier this year.

Marlee loves to travel and has competed in Singapore and New Zealand and has attended an International Youth Forum of the Pierre De Coubertin Schools (founder of the Olympic Games) in China. She has also travelled to America, Fiji and most recently Europe. In the latter half of the year Marlee will be heading to Nepal as a volunteer.

In 2014 Marlee’s stunt career took an immense leap when she was cast as a stunt double in the biggest science fiction film being made in Australia this year named Gods of Egypt. Marlee doubles French actress Elodie Yung where she is required to flip and twist in many scenes.

In Marlee’s spare time between filming and studying, she is coaching the PLC Sydney Diving team where she has been instrumental in achieving some of our recent fantastic results. PLC Sydney Divers Milla Karam (Year 5), Grace Kleppich (Year 9) and Elizabeth Macarounas (Year 10) have all being selected to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships to be held in July 2014.

Mrs Michelle Olsson Coordinator of Gymnastics and Diving

Left image: In action as a stunt double Right image: Marlee (left) on set filming The Farmer Wants a Wife TV commercial

When first meeting Diving Coach Marlee Barber you could be forgiven for mistaking her for the proverbial ‘girl next door’, however it doesn’t take you long to realise that there is a lot more than meets the eye.

If you would like to find out more about Diving please email Michelle Olsson on [email protected]


“I can now understand that things can change but that it's usually not that serious and I feel more comfortable talking to my mum about my friendships.”

Parents also found the session to be really helpful in assisting their daughters to navigate difficult friendship issues. Rose’s mother Ms Amanda Mitchell said, “Dana Kerford had us hooked from the moment she started to explain her knowledge of the complicated and intricate friendships of tween girls.

“I came to the session feeling confident in my ability to guide my girls through the challenges of female friendship. This program, however, gave me greater tools, language and a clear direction. I left feeling quite empowered and more able to help my daughter understand and nurture healthy relationships and clearly understand what makes a good friend. We were reminded that all relationships have a normal ebb and flow and that no relationship is perfect. The suggested strategies for dealing with conflict are fantastic tools for young girls to help navigate every day issues. I highly recommend this program.”

Dana was interviewed on Channel 9’s Today Show by co-host Lisa Wilkinson during her visit to Australia in May. Students Gwendalyn Dabaja, Maddison Kelly and Heidi Watkins were also interviewed for the story. Scan the QR code with your digital device to view the segment.

GIRLPOWER IS A SKILLS-BASED program that empowers girls with the skills, language and self-confidence to be better friends and develop healthier friendships. During the day the girls learnt positive language styles to express their feelings and how to stand up for themselves and extinguish what GirlPower refers to as ‘Friendship Fires’. Dana also conducted a workshop with the Year 7 girls.

During the day the students learnt GirlPower’s four Friendship Facts:

1. No friendship/relationship is perfect

2. Every friendship is different

3. Trust and respect are the two most important qualities of a friendship

4. Friendships change... and that’s OK!

Assistant to the Head of Junior School and Co-curricular Coordinator, Ms Virginia Shearer, said, "I have seen the Hamilton students using the skills learnt at the workshops in the playground. The girls now feel empowered to solve friendship fires independently which is wonderful to see."

Following the workshop with the students, Dana then conducted a session after school for parents and their daughters with the girls having the opportunity to role play scenarios with their parents.

Year 5 student Rose Bouwman found the session to be really useful. “I thought this program was very helpful and I learned a lot about tween relationships. I think that I will be able to think more clearly if I have an argument with my friends and how to fix it.

GIRL POWER COMES TO PLC SYDNEYJunior School students in Years 3-6 recently had the opportunity to hear from renowned Canadian Teacher, Friendship Expert and founder of GirlPower Inc, Dana Kerford, at the College’s very own GirlPower Day.

We have been overwhelmed by the

receptiveness to our program by girls, parents and educators across Australia. We are so thankful to PLC Sydney for being a trailblazer, as the first school in Sydney to host GirlPower. It was evident the girls at PLC were absorbing the GirlPower message of creating a culture of kindness among girls. They touched my heart with their warm, welcoming spirit and enthusiasm towards GirlPower’s skills and language. I look forward to working with PLC Sydney again and hope to continue on this path of girl empowerment together!

Dana Kerford


WHERE HAS THE TREND COME FROM? Have we all forgotten that the HSC is the most important year of our entire lives? I challenge any woman out there who claims that child birth is a milestone. I challenge any couple on The Block fighting against sleep deprivation and fighting tooth and nail for a creative epiphany. You and I both know, that an ATAR of 99.95 is worth more than anything else in this world, you should die for it, you should kill for it, sell your soul for the perfect ATAR. To reignite this passion, to awaken our craze for the band six in Modern History, or the perfect mark in a Chemistry prac, I have comprised, with the help of my fellow, authentic HSC students the list of what ‘must be done’ in order to achieve your personal best during this HSC year.

Before I reveal the secrets to success in the HSC you must get into the right frame of mind. You are a beast, you are a blood thirsty, cannibalistic creature and you are hungry. You’ve been starved, to the point where your mouth is so dry it cannot fathom the idea of salivation. In the distance you see a small, meek deer and you have your eyes fixed on this creature. The deer is your ATAR. Let me ask you, does any relationship, conscience, person or moral get in the way of your attacking and ripping your teeth into that deer? No! It does not. This is the determined, driven, cut throat being you need to be to get through what you and I think of as the

HSC, when really, it’s a representation of the success we will undertake in our entire lives.

So... here is my advice:

Number one, have the mantra: “friends mean nothing, the ATAR is everything.” Leading on from this idea you should try some of the following. For example, you should poison the food in the common room right before the trials so that everyone gets sick, and you lend them what you say is a Codral, when actually you know secretly that you have given them a laxative. You should borrow all the books in the library, especially the Hamlet study guides, and the Cambridge Companions to Emily Dickinson. Don’t even think about giving anyone your notes. But I know you would never do that, right? Because you are being as competitive as you possibly can! You should tell all your friends that you’ve done absolutely no work, when actually you’ve been working as hard as you possible can. Pass on some prac responses to your friends that you say are band six worthy - but actually, you know they’re a band four maximum.

Recommend a tutor that is horrible (obviously it wouldn’t be one from the Extension Centre). You should steal everyone’s laptop, and then sell them on eBay for extra cash to pay for a really, really good tutor. And, of course, you would never recommend this tutor to anyone,

would you? And, if all else fails, you should send everyone the wrong exam timetable (because you and I both know that mistaking an exam time is not a legitimate reason for misadventure accepted by the Board of Studies).

In addition to relationships with your peers, consider your relationship with your teachers. You should have the mindset that every teacher seriously wants to see you fail. Do not give them any prac responses, do not engage in classroom discussion (obviously, that would be an implicit way of giving your peers your own thoughts and advice) and finally if you have a disappointing exam result you must blame it on your teacher. Could it ever possibly be your fault? And, tell me why would you ever think of taking responsibility of your own learning?!

So, my 'deer' PLC friends, on this rare occasion I am giving out this advice because I really do care about you achieving your ATAR dream as much as I do care about mine. As much as this article is about sabotaging the life of others for your own personal success, I promise, with all my warm and loving heart that I am by no means doing this to you. Please do not forget, the ATAR is your deer. You’re blood thirsty and you’re hungry. Don’t ever forget this feeling. The HSC is your life.

Leila Bunguric 2014 School Captain

SURVIVING THE HSCI’ve noticed a gentle trend rising to the surface at PLC Sydney amongst our students... people are beginning to become comfortable with the idea of the HSC. They’re calling it a breeze, speaking about it as though it’s a transient ball of fairy floss which is sweet and only consumed in moderation.


On Saturday 3 May the PLC Sydney Boarders departed a freezing cold Croydon and headed to icy Gerringong for their annual Boarders’ Camp. The girls awoke their competitive nature’s early in the weekend by splitting into teams ranging in year groups and partaking in some games on the beautiful Werri Beach.

AFTER A DELICIOUS DINNER and some panicked practice, the girls displayed their wide ranging skills in the annual talent show. The show presented a brilliant opportunity for the girls to reveal many a hidden talent including some standout performances that involved magic, dance and comedic improvisation.

There was no time for rest on Sunday with an early start and a walk on the beach for the keen. The morning was spent exploring the beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest. Many girls exceeded expectations by encouraging their counterparts to conquer the climb to the coveted Minnamurra Waterfall.

The girls were treated to a sumptuous barbeque lunch after their adventures in the rainforest. There were a few brave souls amongst the group who ventured out into the balmy south coast water for a dip. Feeling revitalised the group settled down for some local Aboriginal lessons on the southern way of life.

Finally the girls boarded the bus for the restful ride home from what had been a hugely successful Boarders’ Camp! Particular thanks must go to our Boarders’ Captain and Seniors, staff and Ms Turner!

Edwina Hobson and Louise Hannan Cullen, Year 11

BOARDERS’ CAMP


WE ARE DELIGHTED to boast that all of our food stalls are run by parents of the school. Needless to say, this makes it much more challenging but also adds to how special the day is for our visitors. Not only do we run our own food stalls but most of the school pitches in to carry the load of putting on one of the biggest school fairs in Australia.

The Open Day and Fair is a great day out for the whole family but behind the fun and enjoyment of the day, the Fair has a very important purpose. It is the major fundraiser for the year for the Parents and Friends’ Association. 2014 has been a very successful Fair, raising over $100 000. The P & F Association will work with the College to determine how these funds will be spent.

Previous funds raised have been allocated to many worthy purchases including the trial of iPads, new furniture in the Boarding House, international tours, equipment in The Croydon, the Composer-in-Residence program, Parent Seminars, electronic whiteboards and the Native Speaker Language Assistant Program.

Daniel Bosco 2014 Fair Convenor

OPEN DAY AND FAIR A

BIG SUCCESSWhat a great day the PLC Sydney Open

Day and Fair was this year. Perfect weather, lots of smiling faces and all of the

school community helping out.

Some facts and figures behind the day include:

• 70 parent stalls and 50 market stalls

• 3 ATMs, 10 portable Eftpos machines, 400 calico cash bags

• Seating for 400 people, 150 trestle tables, 50 market huts

• 13 000 serviettes, 7000 pieces of cutlery, 500 chopsticks

• 450 hot dogs, 700 souvlaki, 30 kg pasta, 1500 bread rolls, 50 kg sausages

• 75 kg of flour, 20 kg butter, 40 kg spinach

• 120 litres of milk, 2500 drinks, 15 litres of tomato sauce, 165 kg ice

• 190 aprons, 150 table cloths, 27 bbq tool sets

• 60 banners, 525 laminated signs, 1200 ride wristbands

• Over 1500 volunteer hours on Fair Day alone!


THE 2014 FAIR TEAMP & F Chairperson Cameron Townshend

Fair Coordinator Daniel Bosco

Areas and Stall Coordinator Rosaria Cusumano

Finance and Fund Raising Tony Nejasmic

Purchasing Coordinator Michael Wong

Communications and Marketing Simone Shields

AREA CO-ORDINATORS

Amphitheatre and Senior School Emma Tyson

Evandale and Boundary Street Carina Kypreos

Hamilton Kate Macdessi and Labebe Kaleel

Bursar’s Courtyard and College Hall Fiona Maher

Sunken Lawn and Camphor Laurel Grace Lubrano

Drummond Field and Meta Street Margaret Chu

Treasurer and Silent Auction Jaimie Sachs

Money Collection Phil Argy

A big thank you to the many other volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the day was a big success.


YOUTH AT THE ZOO is a program for high school students, aged 13–19 years, to come and volunteer at Taronga Zoo behind the scenes in the holidays. Later that night, I logged on to the website and sent an email to the organiser expressing my interest. She later replied that I was too young, I had to be 13.

I was determined to join so I reapplied in Term 3 when I was 14. I was sent the application forms and I had to fill in a form and make a five minute video explaining who I was, why I wanted to join and what experiences or projects I had been involved in. Three to four weeks later I had a response. I was in! 150 people had applied and only 70 were picked. I felt very honoured!

The role of the YATZ volunteer is to turn up at the zoo during holidays wearing the uniform and badge and then assist the keepers and zoo staff. We chop up fruit and vegetables for the animals, clean up animal areas on section shifts and help with face painting the young visitors. On campaign days, we talk to the public and help with the education program.

On YATZ Ed days we are involved in education days for YATZ only, participate in group activities of getting to know one another. These days are varied and we do different things on each day. For example, we had a David Attenborough Day when we watched parts of his documentaries and then we made a documentary of our own. The group I was in made a doco on the evolution of animals from similar backgrounds, focusing on amphibians, birds and alligators.

BELLE NUGENT JOINS YOUTH AT THE ZOOLast year in Year 7 I went on a Geography excursion to Taronga Zoo. One of the zookeepers told us about a zoo program called Youth at the Zoo (YATZ).

We are involved in special events and on one very 'Royal Day', the YATZ helped to prepare the zoo for the Royal Visit of the Duchess Kate, Prince William and baby George. On the day of the visit, after my shift was over, we all decided to walk up to the top of the zoo to the amphibian and reptile area. After an hour’s wait, the YATZ group and myself, armed with a toy bilby, finally met Kate and gave her the gift for George. We explained that we were YATZ and she remarked, "that was a good way to volunteer.” She was so nice!

Jane Goodall came to Australia in late May and gave a talk at the Town Hall and a special one at Taronga Zoo. Through YATZ I was able to go to the event on 30 May and hear her speak. Jane Goodall is a famous person who has studied and researched primates for 35-years in the wild.

I have now spent my second holiday volunteering and being a YATZ has given me the chance to have great new experiences and to make new friends. During this time at YATZ I have always had fun while doing something I love, with others who love it too. The experience has let me see things that happen behind the scenes at the zoo and expanded my knowledge at the same time. All of these amazing experiences began with a school excursion!

Belle Nugent, Year 8


BUT, AS IT TURNED OUT, I had much more to gain from this memorable week in the PLC Sydney Boarding House.

Upon arrival I was introduced to my roommate Fanto Fan, my new mum Ms Pauline Turner and the rest of my boarding family made complete with 60 PLC sisters. As the week progressed I came to learn the incredible bond between these girls, who are always available to help, comfort and be there for one another. I particularly enjoyed watching the humorous music videos the girls had worked together on and performed on the night of my arrival. I also enjoyed getting to know the girls over dinner each night.

Their Captain, Queenie Chan, does an incredible job of supporting each girl in the Boarding House. Queenie’s door was always open, and she was always happy, despite her busy work load, to listen, talk and share special moments with each girl that looks up to her. I found that each of the senior girls had adopted similar maternal roles towards the girls in the younger years. Being in the Boarding House for the week, I felt welcomed and comforted by the community, especially by Ms Turner who although strict at times, made me feel part of this special community.

To conclude, I had a touching experience in the PLC Sydney Boarding House. As a day girl I underestimated the

uniqueness of the girls and their friendly relationships with one another in the Boarding House, and, the integral role the faculty and its staff play within our school community.

I would like to thank all girls and members of staff of the house for making my week in boarding such a memorable experience - in particular Ms Turner, Fanto and Queenie. Not only did I enjoy more study time, a holiday from Sydney traffic and some surprisingly delicious food, but I also felt part of the very warm Boarding House here at PLC Sydney.

Leila Bunguric 2014 School Captain

MY WEEK IN BOARDING: LEILA BUNGURICDuring Term 4 2013 I had the privilege of spending a week in the Boarding House. I did not know what to expect before arriving, I anticipated I would have lots of time to study, less travel time to and from school, and that I may miss my mum’s cooking for a week.


Dear Dr Burgis and Ms Brewer,

Our exchange student, Josephine Loudon, returned to Holland this week. This marks the end of what has been a wonderful Exchange Program and I wanted to write to say thank you to PLC for making this happen.

All parties involved in the exchange journey valued and grew from the opportunity. Natasha has described to many family and friends, "It was the hardest but most wonderful experience of my life" referring to her nine weeks in Holland. During her stay with the Loudon family she visited remote Scotland, travelled to Paris and saw the migration of the cranes in Germany. In addition to her friendship with the students at the Rijnsland School she also established relationships with students on exchange from South Africa, the Gold Coast and Newington College. Finally of course, she grew to love her exchange sister and family and it was hard for her to say goodbye.

During the Xmas holiday we eagerly awaited Josephine's arrival and what a joy and delight she was to have in our family. Being provided with a PLC kilt, helped her integrate into and to feel part of the school. She valued the class experiences and talked animatedly about the facilities at PLC and how welcome teachers made her feel.

Our family were the richer for having Josephine live with us. We found renewed energy for prioritising coming together as

a busy family around shared meals and activities; "new habits" we hope to hold on to now she is gone. We valued learning about the Netherlands and we valued becoming "tourists" in our own city and seeing with new eyes its natural beauties, which at times we can take for granted. We enjoyed spending time with Jasmin, the other exchange student from Holland, and experienced some memorable gatherings with the Kah family (Jasmin's exchange family). As Natasha and Josephine's relationship as "sisters" blossomed, each was enriched by complementary strengths in the other.

As no doubt is evident, many tears have flowed in the last week, both here and in Holland with the goodbyes. With the marvels of modern technology we hope to keep in touch and hope one day both families will have the chance to meet face to face and share many memories and stories.

I wanted to share these reflections to say a very special thank you to PLC for making the program happen. We are aware of the considerable organisation and commitment associated with such a program and we hope that the school will be able to support many other girls and their families having this most valuable experience as part of the PLC journey.

Kind Regards,

Ms Annemaree Noore (Mother of Natasha, Year 11)

STUDENT EXCHANGE: A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVEThe opportunity to participate

in an international exchange is a privilege shared by

a number of the Year 10 students each year at PLC Sydney. The benefits to the students are immense and

the experience can often be life changing.

WE USUALLY FOCUS on the student experience however earlier this year

Ms Annemaree Noore wrote to Dr Burgis and Ms Leonie Brewer, the Director

of International Studies, to share her family’s experience. Ms Noore’s daughter Natasha Noore went on exchange to the

Netherlands in 2013 and in March this year Natasha’s exchange sister from the

Netherlands, Josephine joined the Noore family in Sydney. Ms Noore shares a parent

perspective on the exchange journey with us.

Above image: Natasha Noore (left) with her exchange sister from the Netherlands, Josephine Loudon.


AT 9.00 AM WE ALL GATHERED with our parents in the AKT. Everyone was nervous and excited for what the day had in store. We were addressed and welcomed by Dr Burgis and Mr Broadhead.

Once outside the AKT, we gathered into groups with leaders from Year 10 and began sampling some of the more interesting classes.

For my group, the pink group, first up was IT with Mr Betcher and Mr Waterman. Here we were able to experience Scratch, a university run animation program. We also used Photoshop to design sneakers in the colour and pattern of our choice.

In Lab 7 we took part in Science. We studied acids, bases and neutral substances. We used red and blue litmus paper and red cabbage indicator to test household substances.

We found that apple juice, lemonade and vinegar were acids. The one base was baking powder solution and the neutral substances

A TASTE OF YEAR 7Next year, the graduating class of 2020 will venture into the Senior School of PLC Sydney. On Wednesday 2 April 2014, current Year 6 students and those joining PLC in 2015 had a taste of life in Year 7.

included window cleaner and milk. This was one of my favourite lessons; we were allowed to wear lab coats and glasses.

Our last stop before recess was at the top of the Macindoe Research Centre. Here we participated in Drama with Mrs Halkidis. We played games that involved concentration, teamwork, improvisation and of course, fun! In one game, Exaggeration Circle, you had to copy exactly what the person before did, sneezes, giggles, anything that they did while facing you.

After all that amazing fun, it was time to return to the McKeith Performing Arts Centre for recess. Here we ate watermelon and muffins. It was delicious and we all got a sneak preview of what other classes we would experience from our friends in other groups.

We regrouped with different Year 10 leaders and off we marched to Art with Mr Hetherington. He gave us a tour of the Adelaide Perry Gallery. We looked at the printing press and the pottery room before heading down into the depths of what used to be the cellar. In here we saw what we could do with photos and how they used to process photos in the olden days, before digital cameras. I could not believe that I had been at the school since Reception and I had never heard of this downstairs area! Seeing how photos used to be developed was like taking a step back in time.

Our second last lesson was Design and Technology. We used a program on the computer, which allowed us to design

pictures using shapes. We were given a sneak preview of what D&T would be about in Year 7 - we make pyjamas and learn some cooking skills. We even plan a food festival using posters and advertising. Finally we explored the woodwork room. We were able to see how plastic was cut with lasers and even got our own nametag, made using the machine.

Our last lesson for the day was PE with Mr Smith. Here we had fun on stilts, played hockey, threw rubber chickens, caught balls from the softball machine and tried out the rowing machines. Mr Smith also talked about Saturday sport and what choices we would have next year. I can’t wait to play soccer in Term 2!

At lunchtime we gathered in the Science Amphitheatre to enjoy wraps, melon and cookies. We found our own space to sit with our new and old friends and chattered. It was fun and interesting to meet new girls and see how many friends they had already made.

The final activity was held in the gym. One hundred and forty of us gathered together to fill out the feedback sheets and watch a sports video. As we were leaving, Mr Broadhead handed us a notebook with the school logo on it.

It was a great day and everyone is looking forward to Year 7.

Emma Bosco, Year 6

Emma Bosco (right) with Gwendalyn Dabaja enjoying a taste of Year 7.


The first of the Parent Seminars have been held in Terms 1 and 2, with parents commenting on how useful they have found the sessions. The seminars continue in Semester 2.

TERM 3Pamela Nutt Address: Simon Conway Morris7.00 pm, Monday 4 August Audrey Keown Theatre

There are significant scientists who believe in God. Professor of Paleobiology at Cambridge University, Dr Simon Conway-Morris, worked with Gould on the Burgess Shale Fossils and has been at the cutting edge of evolutionary science for over 20 years. He is featured in a book on Cambridge University’s Great Minds. He is also a Christian. He will be visiting PLC Sydney both to talk about his work in science, and to discuss why science and faith are not opposing voices.

Students in Years 11 and 12 who have a particular interest in this area of thought are welcome to attend.

Building good study skills: A seminar for Years 7 and 8 parents and their daughters with Prue Salter7.00 pm, Tuesday 5 August Audrey Keown Theatre

Early high school is the ideal time to begin developing a positive and thought through approach to study. Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services has plenty of practical ideas to help students and parents through this process. Attendees of this seminar also gain access to Prue’s online study tools.

The seminar content is designed around parents and daughters attending together. However, parents who attend without their daughters are welcome and will still take away very useful information and insights.

Teenagers, alcohol and drugs: Paul Dillon7.00 pm, Wednesday 13 August Audrey Keown Theatre

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years, and is the author of a best-selling book for parents titled Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs, which was released in 2009.

He has been contracted by many organisations to give regular updates on current drug trends, and regularly works with school communities to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

Students are welcome to attend with their parents.

TERM 4Safe parties: Const. Thomson7.00 pm, Thursday 9 October Audrey Keown Theatre

What can parents and teenagers do to make sure the parties they host are fun and safe?

Information, practical tips, and a Q&A session with experienced Police Liaison Officer Shannon Thompson. Students are welcome to attend with their parents.

For further information on the Parent Seminars, please contact Mrs Cassandra Morphew: [email protected]

PARENT SEMINARS Melinda Tankard Reist spoke with students, staff and parents in Term 2 about the

challenges faced by girls today in the online world.


SET IN A REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY, the book tells the story of a group four-legged furry friends who get up to no good.

The first-time author came up with the idea when she was working as an education researcher in remote schools. She noticed that many of the classrooms she visited only contained books about foreign ideas, such as going to the zoo or the beach. Many of the children had very low literacy levels, where English was a second or third language, and struggled to understand some of the concepts.

Johanna was keen to find a subject that the children could relate to. She decided on dogs as they were a familiar sight in almost every community she visited.

Johanna’s canine characters were brought to life by the illustrations of Dion Beasley. His distinctively cheeky cartoon dogs have been shown in art galleries in Darwin and throughout Australia.

Dion’s work is all the more remarkable as he is profoundly deaf and has muscular dystrophy. In order to collaborate with Dion on the project, Johanna learned sign language so she could communicate with him.

The book was launched in August last year. Johanna hopes the story will connect particularly with Indigenous students and, in doing so, help build their English literacy skills.

For more information about the book or to purchase a copy, visit www.toomanycheekydogs.com.au

JOHANNA BELL’S MISSION TO IMPROVE INDIGENOUS LITERACYIn an effort to improve low literacy levels in very remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, writer and Ex-Student (1999) Johanna Bell has teamed up with Tennant Creek artist Dion Beasley to create a new children’s book, Too Many Cheeky Dogs.

Johanna Bell with illustrator Dion Beasley

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THE NUMBERS HAVE FLUCTUATED over the years: in 1961 there were 124 boarders, the highest number recorded,2 while in 2014 the Boarding House has 52 residents.

Boarders have lived in the same space since 1891. Indeed, when the building was opened in 1891, a journalist praised it for the “spacious, airy passages”, noting the bedrooms “hold two beds only; and eight large bathrooms, fitted with hot and cold water.”3 Today the Boarding House offers single rooms with study areas for the senior girls and recreational facilities for everyone – as well as hot and cold water! Whilst these changes have reduced the capacity of the Boarding House, the boarders have benefited enormously from these contemporary introductions.

Regardless of the time, the opportunities of boarding remain constant: developing friendships in a family atmosphere, learning how to cooperate with others, improving organisational skills and experiencing other cultural norms.

Most boarders cherish their experiences of boarding life, as these recollections testify.

“I shall never forget our arrival at PLC. Father, my five sisters and I arrived at the front door with our cabin trunks, having travelled by train from Adelaide, and there in front of us the staircase was filled with girls to greet us – six sisters who had come all the way from Adelaide to

RECOLLECTIONS OF BOARDING LIFE

Boarders have been a vital part of PLC Sydney since

we opened our doors at Fernlea in Ashfield in 1888. By August of that year there

were 21 boarders and 31 day students.1

1

2

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BOARDING LIFE PHOTOS

1. Boarders’ Picnic 1958

2. Boarders in 1949 wearing their Speech Day white dresses

3. Boarders’ pillow fight 1999

4. Boarders’ Picnic 1967

school in Sydney! I can still see that staircase with the splendid stained glass window!”4

“Each week we were given sixpence pocket money, threepence would go in the Church plate and the remainder was spent on sweets. One girl would go to the shop and buy the weekly lolly ration, which was always eaten on Sunday.”5

“There were always complaints about the food and quite often girls would try ‘to give up lambs fry for Lent’ but generally I thought the food was OK.”6

“Initiation was another wonder. At the start of each year, all the new boarders were subjected to this terror (or so it seemed at the time). In actual fact, it was all good fun, and well supervised by the senior prefects.

“One of the new girls would be led across a path of newspapers. On this was scattered many live snails. She was required to remove her shoes and socks and walk its length, blindfolded. Whilst this blindfold was being adjusted, another length of paper would replace the first, but this was covered with broken egg shells.

“The audience knew this, but the poor girl did not, and as she squashed and crackled her way across, her cries of anguish only added to the delight of the onlookers.”7

“Surprise fire drills: usually at awkward times. We had to rush downstairs and assemble on the lawn in front of the Dining Room. Various forms of “undress” – including ??? ??? in a bath towel one Sunday morning.”8

“As you can see, we had great fun as boarders, and I think most of us would not have swapped our life for that of a ‘Day Bug’ as the daygirls were gently referred to.”9

The boarders’ perspective forms a unique and very special part of the story of the College.

Ms Debby Cramer Archivist

4

3

1 Minutes of College Council, 9 August 1888. Series 1, College Council & Committees. 2 Principal’s Monthly Report to Council, 21 February 1961. Series 43, Box 405, Folder 17.3 The Town and Country Journal, 20 June 1891, p.31. Series 31, Newsclippings RB 1.4 Gwendoline Osterman (née Kuhnel), boarder 1911 – 1914. Series 33, Box 345.5 Jessie Bull (née Hendry), boarder 1920. Series 33, Box 344.6 Catherine Palethorpe (née Lesslie), boarder 1958 – 1962. Series 33, Box 345.7 Anne Hailes (née Stewart), boarder 1946 – 1954. Series 33, Box 343.8 Gwenda Parsons, boarder 1936 – 1938. Series 33, Box 343.9 Angela Campbell (née Daly), boarder 1956 -- 1960. Series 33, Box 344.

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EX-STUDENTS

MIA ILIASYear of graduation: 2009 (School Captain)

Since leaving school I have… continued my passion for learning and I am studying Law at the University of Sydney. I have desperately tried to avoid the demands of full-time employment by spending five years at university and by continuing to accumulate an enormous HECS debt. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy every minute of my tertiary

education and I owe my passion for learning to my teachers at PLC who equipped me with the tools to research, the relentlessness to question and the ability to articulate my view – regardless of whether anyone is actually listening to me.

I have involved myself in community groups that seek to advance the status of women in public policy and I have refined my career goals, assisted by my employment experience in the corporate and public sectors.

I have also celebrated my 21st Birthday, surrounded by many PLC Sydney friends, the majority of whom I have known since Kindergarten at PLC Sydney in 1997. Since leaving the College I have also found every opportunity to avoid delivering speeches as I certainly reached my life public speaking quota during my 13 years at PLC Sydney.

Some of my favourite memories from school are... being encouraged to pursue every option available to me. I was not in the slightest bit an athlete, though I always took great pleasure in the opportunity to form “social” sports teams with my friends. The games were always so enjoyable and were the perfect distraction from studying.

I also thoroughly enjoyed participating in public speaking competitions and Friday night debates. I did not truly appreciate it at the time, but the skills I was taught, particularly by Ms Bennetts, have proved to be invaluable and have helped me considerably throughout my university studies and employment.

I distinctly recall both my first day of Kindergarten in Evandale and my final day of Year 12. To see how much my peers and I have grown into young, confident and successful women is a blessing. I adore PLC Sydney, its teachers and the grounds. When I return for the Ex-Students’ Union Committee meetings on a monthly basis, I am in awe of the new facilities, particularly the Macindoe Research Centre and Lyons House. The College is a beautiful place and I always relish the opportunity to return.

Current occupation: Full-time student and full-time sponge of the Ilias family resources, though I am seeking a graduate role in Law.

Current city and country of residence: Sydney, Australia.

RAE GOWER (NEÉ HOORE)Year of graduation: 1949 (School Vice-Captain and Ferguson House Captain)

Since leaving school I have... been married for 60 years next year to Bill who I met on the train on the way home from school. I had three children, with my two girls attending PLC Sydney - Wendy (1978) and Jillian (1982), and then my grand-daughter Dani started at the College in 2002. All three girls were Captains of various sectors of the school community.

So I have followed the progress of the school over many years.

Some of my favourite memories from school are… the year I started was the first year back at Croydon after World War 2, so the facilities were quite different to the luxury the girls enjoy today. The Nissan Huts left behind by the RAAF were utilised

as locker rooms, science labs and art classrooms. The previous pool was quite primitive compared to the new one. I can remember a phone call from Miss Whitlam one night asking Bill to come over to the school to help her as the pool was overflowing into the property next door. Whilst they were successful in the repair job, I don’t think any plumber was in danger of losing his job.

After all these years I still meet up with former classmates for lunch every two months.

Current occupation: After many years of running a business with my husband I am now semi-retired. After we sold the business I became involved with the Ex-Students’ Union and have been on the committee for the last 10 years and a very enjoyable time as Treasurer for the last 5 years.

Current city of residence: Sydney, Australia.

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MARGARET MIDDLETON (NEÉ ESPLIN)Year of Graduation: 1954

Since leaving school I have… enrolled at Sydney University to study Pharmacy.

At school my favourite subjects were Chemistry and Biology and I would have loved to have studied medicine but my father was seriously ill and it was desirable to undertake a shorter course. A Science teacher or pharmacy? I was awarded a Teachers College Scholarship but at an interview I discovered I would have to learn to write on a blackboard right handed, not an attractive thought for a left hander. Incidentally my left handed mother had her left hand tied behind her back until she switched. How times have changed!

Back in 1955, Pharmacy involved an apprenticeship working in a pharmacy for a year before starting university studies. I was apprenticed in a shop at Audley St,

Petersham. First year Chemistry, I was the top woman student also gaining Distinction in second year so on graduating in March 1958 I was asked if I would like to join the Pharmacy Department staff as a Teaching Research fellow. I enjoyed this work, my work colleagues and the wonderful environment. I continued in this role till September 1961 when our son Ian was born and then part-time supervising the evening classes until Ross was born in 1964. We also have a daughter Jean who was born in 1966.

I have been fortunate to be able to combine my role as a wife and mother while continuing to work part-time in various aspects of Pharmacy.

We moved to Melbourne at the beginning of 1970 for my husband John’s work and I continued both in community pharmacy and as a Teaching Fellow in the Victorian College of Pharmacy. Since returning to Sydney, I have worked in many community pharmacies. I am registered till the end of 2014 and will then probably call it a day for doing locum work. Including the apprenticeship years this will make it 60 years!

Some of my favourite memories from school are… I started at PLC in 1948. That year there were many celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the College and I recall being part of a huge Maypole spending much time learning and rehearsing the dance routines.

Miss Macindoe was our Headmistress assisted by Mrs Jackson and Mrs Dixon. I well remember Miss Mason playing the organ for our morning assemblies and Mr Dudley for music and singing. Miss Dunn and Miss Pym were our sports teachers. Our History teacher was Miss Barbara Fulton who organized various very happy excursions,

some in the school holidays. Miss Gray Geography, Miss Popple Maths, Miss Dowe Biology and Miss Spinks English were among our very talented and committed teachers. Sister “Mac” looked after the boarders and we had Miss Perry for Art. It was not till I left school did I appreciate what a talented artist and lithograph specialist she was.

In 1950 I was awarded the Ex-students’ Scholarship, which at that time covered the 5 years of secondary schooling. I have very fond memories of my time at PLC. It was a great place for growing and learning. It generated in us a wonderful school spirit so that we were proud of our academic and sporting achievements.

Upmost for me were the wonderful friendships I made, lifelong friends that I value highly. Following my mother’s example, I am a committed ex-student helping organise the Annual Card Days, over the years delivering newsletters and organising reunions, the latest being our 60th on Jersey Day this year.

My current occupation: This is my eighth year back at Sydney Uni as a Demonstrator and marker for the 3rd year dispensing classes, back in my old and much loved hunting ground.

I am currently undertaking a big research project for the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society, researching Ku-ring-gai’s built heritage, so I spend many hours in the Land and Property Department in Macquarie Street. I am a Pastoral Care Worker for Killara Uniting Church, which is really an extension of my caring role as a pharmacist.

Current city of residence: Sydney, Australia.

VICTORIA CULLYear of graduation: 2003

Since leaving school I have... really done a complete circle as I am now teaching Science at PLC Sydney! After leaving school I completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science at UNSW. I then worked for 18 months as a soil scientist with the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. I enjoyed my work there but couldn’t see myself in that area for an extended period of time and had always wanted to teach, so I decided to complete my Diploma of Education, also at UNSW.

I was then offered a position at PLC and am very happy to be back even though at first it was a little strange to be standing on the other side of the teacher’s bench!

Some of my favourite memories from school are... this is actually quite a tough question as I really enjoyed so much about my time at PLC. I loved talking and having fun with my friends, playing sport and participating in House events especially House

Choir nights. I was also a bit of a geek and really did love being in class and learning new things!

Current occupation: Science Teacher, PLC Sydney

Current city and country of residence: Sydney, Australia.

Victoria Cull (centre) with former classmates.


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EX-STUDENTS

PAULA MCRAEYear of graduation: 2004 (Boarders’ Captain)

Since leaving school I have… in the last 10 years I guess I have tried to cram in as much as possible… After PLC I went straight to university and completed a Leisure Management Degree at UTS (yes, there is a degree in Leisure and yes, my family are still making jokes about it). After three years of fun/leisure and study, it was then time to move into the real world (full-time work) and begin my ongoing cycle of working to save for an overseas adventure, then returning to work to pay off my debts from doing the same – this journey continues.

Like a lot of nomadic Aussies, I have explored the UK, Europe, Canada, North/Central and South America. My first trip working abroad was as a Nanny in Florence, probably something I wouldn’t recommend if you love pasta and wine as much as I do -- about 10 kilo’s heavier it was time to move on. Since then I have worked on a farm in the UK, volunteered at a Soup Kitchen in New York and most recently (and most significantly for me) was my time spent in Tanzania. Over the past six years my brother and I have worked together on a philanthropy East African project outside our nine to five jobs, called “Wings of Kilimanjaro”. Wings of Kilimanjaro was a fundraising event that we established which brought 100

people from all over the world together with the fundamental purpose of empowering thousands of East Africans to an enriched and improved lifestyle through clean water, micro-finance and education channels.

So far, we have established access to new micro-finance loans in rural areas, enabling 30 new village banks to commence giving over 600 new members access to small business loans in rural areas (having parents on farms ourselves, this project was very close to our hearts). Through our installation of clean water projects (drilling, pumping, installation and storage), it is estimated we have given around 9000 Tanzanians access to clean and safe water – most of whom would have had to walk for hours each day to the nearest source. Finally, earlier on this year, we returned to Tanzania for the opening of our new primary school in a remote Maasai village for 150 local children. Walking into the class room filled with children – all of whom had never had earlier access to education, was an overwhelming life moment that is for sure.

Wings of Kilimanjaro has raised just over $600K and we continue to humbly push on towards our ultimate goal of $1M so we can maintain our little school and build upon our existing clean water and microfinance projects.

While based in Tanzania, I also became a co-administrator for a local orphanage

in Arusha, home to over 100 beautiful children. I am humbled to have been born in this amazing country with amazing standards of living and with such supportive and loving family and friends – out of pure luck that was the card I was dealt. If I can change the life of one child who hasn’t been blessed with the same, I believe I have succeeded in this world.

Some of my favourite memories from school are… Goodness, where to begin. From Mr Dhall’s entertaining business classes (or just general life classes) to Maths with the adorable Mr Palmer (Mr Palmer, you were so wonderful, but I can safely say I have never used y=mx+b in the past 10 years), or English with the most passionate teacher in the world – Mrs Manoe, thank you for trying to get us to love Keats just as much as you.

Then there was the Boarding House shenanigans (Mrs Clegg and Ms Turner – I don’t know how you did it), hugs from Mr Foley when your parents were driving away at the beginning of the year/term – his timing was always impeccable, sneaky kips at sick bay with the most caring “sister” on the planet - Sister Bunt, to always being the one with the most fan-mail in the Boarding House (thanks mum!), tennis time with Janny (more talking/banter than tennis), to meetings with Macca in the big office or just spending time with the most inspiring lady to have graced PLC – Miss Keown.

All of this aside, the best thing I received from PLC is not the education or my ability to drink a cup of Milo with a ratio of Milo to Milk of 9:1 (Boarding House competition) it was and remains to be, the FRIENDSHIPS… I am blessed with the most incredible friends from Boundary St days. I used to love taking my “city slicker” friends home to the country in the school holidays – teaching a lot of them to drive in our old working ute was as fun as it was scary.

My time at PLC was and still remains to be the most humbling gift that has even been given to me. A farmer (my Dad) that was struggling in an ongoing drought the entire time I was away at school - who would not ever mention his situation, but would say the same thing to me at the beginning of each term; “Make the most of every opportunity at PLC, but what will count most, is the friendships that you will make.” He was right.

Current occupation: Nine to five is s pent at Catalina (Rose Bay) managing all bookings and marketing. My Tanzanian pride and joy still occupies a lot of my time outside of this and hopefully always will.

Current city and country of residence: I’m home (Sydney)! Correction, Sydney is my second home – Tottenham, the Centre of NSW is where it is at.


Above Image: Sophia Morrison, Year 9 (left) and Ruby Blinkhorn, Year 10 performing in the Middle Year Production, the classic fairy tale Rapunzel.


Boundary Street Croydon NSW 2132

Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519

Email [email protected]

www.plc.nsw.edu.au

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