PLC SYDNEY'S BIANNUAL MAGAZINE

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2016

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE

REACH AND EXTENSION IN MATHEMATICS

DRAMA STUDENTS ENGAGE WITH AUSTRALIAN PLAYWRITING MASTERS CONTENTS | ISSUE 3 WINTER 2016

1 From the Principal 16 USA Science Tour STEM stands for ‘Science, Technology, 19 Oarsome staff rowers 2 Engineering and Mathematics’ Earth and Environmental Science Drama students engage with Australian 20 4 playwriting masters In Profile: Litiana Field, Sienna Cai, 22 Junior School Badminton Resilience: Managing life’s ups and 5 downs and learning to keep a balance 26 Sensational Science in Singapore 5 Theology and Philosophy in Year 9 27 FUEL ignites with a blast in 2016! 6 STEM: Engaging the next generation 28 All the world’s a stage Music: The guru of jazz and Japanese Reflecting on Ba Vi, Vietnam 7 drummers 30 8 Reach and extension in Mathematics 31 Supporting Allowah 10 Year 11 Camp 32 Adelaide Perry donation Divers join the cast of Most Extreme Rube Goldberg machines 33 11 in Year 5 Science Alien Earth

Fairy tales collide in a modern ALUMNI 12 musical twist From the Archives… Marie Byles: 34 14 60 seconds with… Mrs Sarah Waller Many lives in one Where are they now… 15 60 seconds with… Ms Stephanie Cannon 36 Samantha Pennington, Tegan Miller, Kristie Boyle

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. FROM THE PRINCIPAL 1

'PROJECT ZERO' IS A TEACHING AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK EMANATING FROM THE HARVARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION.

They run many programs: I recently attended the course At PLC Sydney 'The Croydon' is a marvellous example on Educational Design - examining all aspects of school of depth of learning and joy and engagement. Students development including classroom architecture. study the arts in depth and are wonderfully creative in their learning at the same time. If I could sum up the emphasis of the Harvard course in two words, they would be 'creativity' and 'engagement'. Now that the Gateway Project is underway, College The 'Project Zero' team are on a mission in USA to move Council has set as a goal the gradual renewal of the away from the 1950s industrial model of education to one regular classrooms in the Freda Whitlam Courtyard. based on studio learning. Thus the new classrooms they The goal is to renew the spaces so that they foster both are envisaging are more like art studios than the classrooms academic thoroughness and student creativity. We are you and I most likely inhabited. asking: What does the best possible STEM room look like? What qualities does the best possible English room have? I am also continuing to work closely with Cambridge How do we set up our rooms so that each student thrives University on the development of their 'Theology and in each subject? Of course architecture is only one aspect - Philosophy' program. Alongside our significant emphasis but an important one. on STEM (see the articles on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics evident in this publication), The answer of course emerges from the educational we are working on really developing student understanding program. That program is already in operation. We will of epistemology (how we 'know' - including the claims communicate further on the future of PLC Sydney in the of Faith, Reason and Logic). This process symbolises our months and years ahead. We need to continually report commitment to teaching critical thinking to whole persons, on how we are progressing now. In these pages you will and to the growth of curiosity and academic rigor. catch glimpses of our educational offering - of students who are flourishing as we balance rigor and engagement Sadly, schools have sometimes seen engagement and now. I hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as I do. rigor as polarities. It need not be so. Schools throughout the centuries have shifted between an emphasis on process Dr Paul Burgis (like the Harvard initiative) and an emphasis on content Principal (like the Cambridge course). The trick is to hold them both as significant. I would argue that the ability to hold these two in tension is a mark of a very good school. To illustrate the point I refer to the Arts. The excellent Music program has teachers who are committed to teaching each student to develop musicality and skill on an individual basis AND to teach them to perform in small and large ensembles. They need individual discipline (rigor) and the joy of performing - working in a team (engagement).

OUR MAGAZINE TEAM

EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS Mrs Nicole Paull Dr Paul Burgis, Ms Joanna Maxwell, Emma Parker, Mrs Fiona Hendriks, Litiana Mrs Kate Wheatley, Ms Belinda Martins, Field, Sienna Cai, Mr Colin Smith, Joanne COVER Mr Phil Harper, Mathilde Scholepple, Emily Ge, Kianna Lui, Yolanda Qiao, Ms Virginia Nielsen, Dianne Balkizas, Edwina Hobson, Shearer, Emma Liu, Jade Lin, Ruby Watters, Year 3 students Tia-Lee Phuong, Chloe Jamieson-Grigg, Louisa Williamson, Christina Bouletos, Simona Lattuca, Hannah Thomson and Charlotte Taplin Sandra Magro, Mrs Brooke Thomson, Stephanie Chew, Mrs Edwina Soh, participating in a Peer Support session Mrs Heather Clark, Mrs Sarah Waller, Nicole Sung, Laura Sweeting, Zoe Jewell, (see page 5 for more information). Ms Stephanie Cannon, Ms Jenny Clarke, Ms Jo Knight, Charlotte Somboli, Ms Debby Alexandra Caddy, Natalie Lambropoulos, Cramer, Samantha Pennington, Kristie Boyle Eleanor Lawton-Wade, Mrs Jo McGrouther, and Tegan Miller.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 2 STEM STANDS FOR ‘SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS’

The renewed focus on these disciplines in our nation signals a recognition of their power to assist us to think about both philosophical and practical issues.

Mathematicians strive to be precise. Scientists use mathematics to develop a strong methodology for describing the 'real world' accurately. Engineering is the art of building things that last. Mathematics is one of the primary ways in which modern technologically based culture understands itself and the world around it. For example, the digital revolution and the advent of the computer. New technologies are reshaping the world. All of these stand on a math foundation in our culture and helps to define our community. Our students need to be able to think and to develop skills in these areas. PLC Sydney has a very strong education in STEM subjects. This reputation has been earned because of the deliberate way in which we have approached their integration. Currently Australia is ranked 19th in the world according to the PISA scores, which claim to compare the quality of education between cities and nations. Much of what we regard as STEM education is an important element in this ranking. Currently, Shanghai is first: Finland is eleventh. Interestingly, if the independent schools of NSW were given a single rank (that is all of the large schools like PLC Sydney and Trinity, as well as all of the small Christian and Islamic and Steiner schools) they would rank fifth. If PLC Sydney was placed on the same scale it would rank very close to first.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA How do we assist young women to gain capacity and confidence in STEM 3 subjects? These are some of our strategies. We:

• Employ a specialist Science teacher (Mrs Annie Martin) to • Partner with scientists. We are partnering with Taronga teach alongside our regular teachers in the Junior School Zoo in creating a hospital in our Junior School for the long-necked turtle and in preparing our programs so that • Employ a specialist Technology and Robotics teacher we can help to develop the populations of rare insects. (Ms Belinda Martins) to teach alongside the regular teacher in the Junior School • Hold fun clubs. We have clubs in Robotics, Environmental Science and General Science. • Have exceptional leaders and teachers in these subjects across the College • Hold high level clubs. We have a Titration Club. Each year students excel in this area. • Engage in a significant number of extension and enrichment programs. Recently a local independent girls’ school was • Achieve excellence in examinations. A PLC Sydney student very pleased to have a student selected for the National came first in HSC Chemistry in 2013. Our results are well Youth Science Forum (an annual event that really extends above state average on a consistent basis. able science students). In 2015 we had seven students • Hold awards nights in STEM subjects selected. Consistently we have more students in enrichment and extension courses. • Offer overseas trips in STEM subjects. In 2016 a Science Tour went to the Grand Canyon, a Hawaiian volcano, the • Have a Mathematician-in-Residence, Dr Lloyd Dawe museums of Washington DC and to a meteorite crater; and (previously Professor of Mathematics Education at Sydney the 2014 Mathematics Tour extended international links. University) who guides the thinking of students • Engage in thinking in the connections between Heads of • Accelerate students who are able in Mathematics so that Faculties. Thus our Philosophy and Theology class comment they can extend their understanding in their middle years on STEM related matters. • Offer Cambridge International courses as electives in Years • Hold an annual Mathematics Week – full of challenging 9–10. In STEM subjects we offerPhysical Sciences. In 2017 activities that looks at maths with an outlook on the world it is likely we will add Physics and Chemistry and Technology. • Assist students with learning needs in the specific use • Offer the first year University of NSWComputer Science of English by having an ESL teacher support one Science course to Year 11 class in Year 10 • Emphasise scientific research. Our Year 10 program is • Provide specialist assistance in Mathematics for those who exceptional. In 2015 our students came First in NSW out require numeracy support of all schools (selective, public, Catholic and independent) in the conducting of scientific research in Physics, Chemistry • Connect with ex-students in the field and Biology (Science Teacher Association Awards in NSW). We send our leading students overseas to Singapore to • Employ staff with specialist knowledge. Mrs Humpheys, present their research. In 2016 one of our students will for example, writes the text books used by students across represent Australia in the Intel International Science the state in Biology. and Engineering Fair, in the USA, the largest international • Enjoy STEM! pre-college Science competition showcasing independent research. Dr Paul Burgis • Create wonderful spaces. In ‘The Gateway Project’ we have Principal created specialist Science and Technology laboratories. We are putting in place a pond and an insectarium.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 4 DRAMA STUDENTS ENGAGE WITH AUSTRALIAN PLAYWRITING MASTERS

David Williamson and Tom Holloway are two of Australia’s most profound theatrical voices. The PLC Sydney Drama Department was fortunate enough to host intimate Q&A sessions with both playwrights to examine Celebrated playwright David Williamson spoke at length texts studied in Year 11 and 12. with Year 11 Drama students.

Year 11 students focus on the notion of the Australian voice As Government funding declines, theatre companies are less likely on stage and how it has changed over time. Year 12 study to take risks and pick up new Australian playwrights. Williamson's contemporary Australian Drama and examine Holloway’s talent was discovered during a time of great funding for the arts verbatim play Beyond the Neck about the Port Arthur tragedy. and a growing interest in new Australian work. The main things that we have learnt from this experience is the importance of both It is impossible to study the history of Australian Drama humanising a character and supporting Australian theatre. It was without engaging with Williamson’s plays. Indeed, his work such a privilege to meet someone who holds so much inspiration forms a signifi cant portion of the Australian cannon. With for all of us. 50 plays spanning over 40 years, Williamson is undoubtedly one of our country’s strongest playwriting voices. Williamson was very happy to hear that the PLC Sydney Drama Department places a particular emphasis on Australian material with students studying plays by Alana Valentine, Tom Holloway, Kate Mulvany and Lally Katz. Year 12 were lucky enough to have a lengthy Skype interview with Holloway about the process of writing his very moving work Beyond the Neck. This play is very challenging as its form is so unusual. Our students were therefore very lucky to be able to discuss how it can be brought to life on stage. Two Year 12 students refl ect upon their experience: Holloway’s discussion of the power of storytelling was inspirational. It made me think about how important theatre is to our community. Beyond the Neck is the kind of play that not only helps those impacted by The Port Arthur Massacre process their grief, but also encourages all audience members to share Year 12 Drama students were fortunate to speak with stories and encourage the healing process. award-winning playwright Tom Holloway, via Skype. - Tierney Clark

Tom’s personal connection to the massacre (he is Tasmanian Sophia Morrison (Year 11) refl ects on her time with and remembers the event), as well as the personal experience Williamson: of interviewing those connected to it, places him in a unique Williamson is known for his political works and he explained that opportunity to tell this story. Tom demonstrated honesty and he enjoys writing about the confl ict which lives within the political vulnerability when speaking with us, breaking down a number agenda. Williamson situates himself somewhere between satire of times. It takes a special artist to write a play like Beyond and comedy. He subscribes to many theories of both Socrates the Neck. It takes someone who is sensitive to the needs of the and Aristotle. He describes human nature as repetitive, situating community. I have learnt that this play is about empathy and all human nature within three categories. Firstly, humans are healing, as much as it is about despair and sadness. egotistical, all actions have their origins deeply concerted within – Annie McCarthy self-interest. Secondly, humans are social creatures and many of their actions are made to make them more appealing to a given There are not many students who can say they have met group. Finally, humans are compassionate. Williamson allows all and engaged with the writers of the plays they are studying. his characters to adhere to all three aspects, allowing them to be PLC Sydney Drama students are fortunate indeed. humanised. Williamson also spoke about his concern for the lack Ms Joanna Maxwell of opportunities for new Australian playwrights. Head of Drama

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA RESILIENCE: MANGAGING 5 LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS AND LEARNING TO KEEP A BALANCE

Recently, the Junior School staff completed training with Peer Support Australia and we began implementing their program in Term 2.

Evidence based and peer led, the program provides Following their training, the Year 6 leaders were looking students with a supportive learning environment in which forward to facilitating lessons for small groups of students to develop the skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies from across the year levels. This is a marvellous opportunity to improve their mental, social and emotional wellbeing. This to gain valuable skills in leadership, communication and program also develops key skills in resilience, assertiveness, empathy, and build relationships with younger students. decision making, problem solving and leadership. The leaders have been preparing their lessons and games to ensure that Peer Support is a time of learning and a time of fun. The focus is on Moving Forward, an eight session module on resilience. Student resilience and wellbeing are essential for both academic and social development. Confident, resilient children with a capacity for emotional intelligence perform better academically, create strong social bonds and maintain healthy relationships and responsible lifestyles. While the majority of a student’s development in resilience is influenced by support within the family, peer support sessions contribute to an environment which encourages and promotes resilience. The Junior School community is looking forward to our new venture promoting positive relationships across our school. Mrs Kate Wheatley Year 6 Teacher

THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY IN YEAR 9

Did you know that our principal teaches classes?

In 2016 Dr Burgis is teaching the Year 11 AS General Dr Burgis says of his students: 'I am very proud of the way Cambridge Paper in General Studies and the Year 9 that they engage with challenging material. Studying both Theology and Philosophy course. Ancient Greece and Ancient Jerusalem provides a strong understanding of the formation of our culture and ideas, In Year 9 the students have studied the Pre-Socratic and it enables students to ask some pretty big questions.' philosophers, as well as Plato and Aristotle and the Book of Genesis. They have dealt with notions such as 'Reality', If you wish to see some of their work put the words 'PLC 'Time', 'Truth' and 'the origins of the Cosmos'. Sydney', 'Athens' and 'Jerusalem' into Google and you will be able to read some of their blogs.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 6 STEM: ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

What separates STEM from the traditional Science and Mathematics education is the blended learning environment and showing the students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. Students are learning how to code and program robotics to solve problems. In the Junior School curriculum these skills are essential for working technologically, scientifically and mathematically. Evandale students have engaged in computational thinking and early computer science concepts with the Bee Bot robot and the Scratchjr coding program. Hamilton girls have been introduced to a variety of digital tools and investigated scientifically with Sphero robotic balls that can be controlled by a tablet. All Junior School students are working mathematically and technologically to solve a variety of problems within their Science, Mathematics and HSIE units of inquiry. We are very grateful to the Parents and Friends' Association and the Junior School Auxiliary who have provided significant funds to purchase Lego WeDo robotics, Sphero robotics, and Dash and Dot. Students will have opportunities to focus on engineering and design thinking. They will move from technology users to technology creators with some new invention kits, including Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey and Littlebits. These resources will foster both computational thinking skills and problem solving. We are very excited to welcome our first Humanoid robot called NAO who will join the Junior School community. NAO is a character made up of a multitude of sensors, motors and software, piloted by a made to measure operating system. NAO is designed to be personalised and the girls are going to love programming her and developing their skills. As we continue on our STEM journey, we are looking forward to the new Innovation Lab in the Gateway Project which will provide us with a central space for coding, creating and engineering. Ms Belinda Martins STEM IT Teacher, Junior School 7

The PLC Sydney Music Department MUSIC: THE enjoyed two very entertaining workshops from visiting guests in GURU OF JAZZ Term 1 in 2016. We are very lucky AND JAPANESE to have been able to observe and participate with two such DRUMMERS outstanding clinicians.

Doug Goodkin YuNiOn On 19 February, Year 4 and the Years 9–12 Elective We had the pleasure of participating in a session with Music classes had the pleasure of attending sessions with a Japanese drumming group called YuNiOn. Doug Goodkin, described as the ‘guru’ of Jazz. Mr Goodkin is This percussion ensemble came to PLC Sydney to teach Year one of the leading educators in the Orff Sculwerk technique 7 how to play Japanese Taiko drums and do Japanese dancing. of teaching music. This particular technique was developed This was a very hands on session which allowed all students to by Carl Orff who was more commonly known as a prolific experience playing Japanese drums. composer of the early twentieth century. Orff lived and worked predominantly in Munich and Salzburg and there There was a lot of noise from the various drums and singing is now an Orff Institute in Salzburg which is part of the world and it sounded absolutely amazing. There were several types renowned Mozarteum of Music. The Orff Institute offers both of drums such as the big bass Taiko drum, the higher pitched Diploma and Bachelor degrees in Orff Sculwerk as well as Taiko drums and other drums and instruments not connected one special course offered worldwide. Doug Goodkin is one specifically to Taiko drumming. of the main lecturers for this course as well as the work he does in his home town of San Fransisco. Doug Goodkin is also The dancing was a lot fun, as it was something new for us employed around the world to deliver sessions such as the all, however, as well as the fun aspect of the dancing it was ones he delivered to PLC Sydney students. helpful to see the connection between the dancing and music of the Japanese culture. His day at PLC was broken into four sessions, one for Year 4, one for Year 9 and 11 students, one for Year 10 and 12 It was very interesting to learn students and one with a Professional Development focus for the Music staff. All sessions were greatly received by his about Japanese music and the audience with many of the students not wanting the 1½ hour connection to their culture and session to finish. we all got a lot out of it. Here is what one Year 9 student said: Mr Goodkin taught us about how Jazz originated and the many We would like to thank YuNiOn and our music teachers different forms it has taken over the years, as well as how it for giving us this opportunity to learn about music through developed into what it is today. We also got to interact, by joining playing Taiko drums and learn about music in other cultures. in learning the 12-bar-blues progression on glockenspiels or any Emily Nielsen, Year 7 musical instrument we had available. We joined in singing and playing all the different styles of jazz and it helped our class see jazz and all music genres from another perspective, particularly from a practical perspective. We had the opportunity to learn all about the history of jazz and if we could do it all again, we would! Mathilde Scholepple, Year 9 ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 8 REACH AND EXTENSION IN MATHEMATICS: ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO STUDY MATHEMATICS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

In encouraging our Competitions and enrichment: Competitions and Enrichment: students to study • Maths Challenge for Young • Maths Challenge for Young Mathematics at the Australians Australians (Enrichment Stage) highest level, we are • Maths Challenge for Young • CAT (Computing and Algorithmic inspiring our students Australians (Enrichment Stage) Thinking) to think beyond the • CAT (Computing and Algorithmic • AMC (Australian Maths Thinking) Competition) curriculum and acquire • AMC (Australian Maths • AIMO (Australian Intermediate thinking skills towards Competition) Mathematical Olympiad) problem solving that • UNSW School Mathematics incorporates patience, YEARS 9–12 Competition diligence and creativity As a result of the build up from the junior Mathematics enrichment Implications for Years 11–12 while developing program, girls are offered places in The enrichment program outlined competitive competitions including alternative methods above has immediate implications the Annual UNSW School Mathematics for the sequence and delivery of the of solution. Competition, and the Australian HSC courses in the senior years. The Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad. exposure to mathematical ideas in To encourage and provide meaningful In time, students feel empowered the junior years at appropriate levels, growth, required for higher order to pursue excellence in Mathematics enables a smoother transition into study of Mathematics, the students are and applications to Science, Technology more difficult topics students encounter supported through each of the classes in and Engineering (STEM). in Extension 1 and 2. lessons with their teacher and Dr Dawe. Mrs Dianne Balkizas Programs in place In these lessons Head of Mathematics the students are at PLC Sydney REFLECTIONS FROM FORMER given mathematical STUDENTS YEARS 7–8 (JUNIOR) problems that seem EDWINA HOBSON: Year 12, 2015 Teachers engage students by adding This year I’m doing a combined degree to the curriculum. There are two classes insurmountable in of Commerce/Engineering at Sydney in each year group who are offered to difficulty but carefully University. I haven’t picked a major participate in enrichment programs that yet for Engineering so I am just doing use the Australian Mathematics Trust scaffolded to gain a flexible first year degree. Maths is resources. entry to a solution. a significant part of the degree as The students are regularly challenged Engineering is based heavily on maths in ‘Dr Dawe lessons’. Dr Lloyd Dawe Many girls are encouraged and gain and problem solving so at this stage I (Mathematician-in-Residence) confidence in tackling these problems take two separate Maths subjects. researches mathematical content and work towards a solution. In this I’m really enjoying the maths especially that appears in competitions and links engaging process students at most after having had a year off maths with higher order thinking required levels of development gain from following the completion of the in senior Mathematics. Students are the teaching and working on solutions. accelerated program at PLC Sydney. All constantly exposed to challenging ideas Dr Dawe also has lunchtime Enrichment the stuff I’m doing at uni is different to that are beyond the curriculum but Maths lessons where girls have what I did at school as I only completed become accessible through his careful the opportunity to further explore Extension 1 Mathematics and this year scaffolding and development. Mathematics with prerequisite curiosity is Extension 2 style Maths. But people and openness to solutions of very shouldn’t feel put out by this fact, difficult problems.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 9

Ex-student Edwina Hobson (centre) with the Enrichment Mathematics class, Mathematician-in-Residence Dr Lloyde Dawe (back row, left) and Mr Gavin Sinclair (back row, right).

it’s only a natural progression from I was at school it was defi nitely a trend In all scientifi c research, mathematics what you’ve done before. I never felt I for people to drop to General Maths is used extensively to provide numerical could do Extension 2 maths at school as things started to get harder. I can’t data to make sense of new ideas. however at uni I feel like I am capable stress enough the importance of This year I am studying Calculus, enough to complete it. making a big eff ort to do at least Biostatistics, Mathematical Modelling Two Unit Maths at school if someone and Linear Algebra. In these classes we After completing Accelerated Maths is capable. As now I’ve reached uni are learning how to apply mathematical I was really tired of everything to do with and I see my friends doing Commerce models to real world situations and maths however following a successful and Science degrees and having to data that is gathered via research and year in Chemistry I started to look for work incredibly hard to understand the experimentation. Maths is an incredibly a degree that would allow me to use maths which they could’ve completed important part of how scientists make some of the problem solving skills I had at school. So I’d say when picking sense of their results and to determine picked up in Maths and Chemistry. I was subjects, while ATAR is very important, the signifi cance of their fi ndings. My very hesitant picking the course at uni so too is the knowledge and education understanding of maths that I developed because I had vivid memories of the you actually get out of subjects such as at PLC from Years 7 through to 12 hard work it took to fi nish Accelerated Chemistry and Maths because if that’s has helped me to understand these Maths however now I’m back into doing what you’re interested in doing in the new concepts and then extend my Maths I am enjoying it more and never future this foundation is very useful. understanding. realised how much I missed it! Understanding maths is also important The other reason I chose Engineering CHLOE JAMIESON-GRIGG: for all my other subjects which include was that it is a multifaceted degree Year 12, 2015 Chemistry, Biology and Psychology, as which doesn’t confi ne you to a career I am currently studying a Bachelor in each of these subjects we are in engineering. It opens many doors of Medical Science at the University required to write up scientifi c reports in leadership areas as well as in large of Sydney. This degree involves three using statistical analysis. and small companies both in urban years of study and aims to provide and rural centres which was very a detailed understanding of how the Hence, maths lies at the foundation attractive to me. human body works, as well as provides of all these subjects as it is key to pathways for research opportunities interpreting data and recognising It surprised me at uni how many and postgraduate studies in other the signifi cance of results. people are doing high levels of maths areas such as Medicine or Dentistry. (levels similar to me) because when

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 10 YEAR 11 CAMP

Year 11 arrived at Galston Gorge Crusaders Camp on 22 February and it was truly a game-changing experience for us. We learnt more about ourselves, school, as well as Christianity.

As expected we all had good fun. We learnt about issues they are reflected in society. We were taught how to be good that may be raised as we grow older, how to cope with new Christians, but by far the most important lesson we learned feelings about school and also how to help friends who was to serve others instead of ourselves. may be having trouble expressing their feelings. Going on Mingled with these group discussions were a myriad of this camp allowed us to grow closer together as a family, exciting activities such as the vertical cluster, bush walking, developing a close-knit community amongst ourselves. low ropes, rock climbing, and archery. In our free time we Each day we would break up into small groups and talk about were able to socialise and swim in the pool. our feelings and approaches to different issues. For example, On the whole this was an amazing school trip. It allowed us how to stay motivated in exam periods or how to deal with the to socialise and become closer with girls who were not in our transition from Year 10 to 11 and then from Year 11 to 12. We friendship groups. Year 11 camp was a great way to reconnect found it really helpful to discuss the qualities and expectations with our Christian faith, bond as a year group, and have a of a good leader, while also learning how to improve our study relaxing getaway. techniques to better suit exam-taking in the senior years. Louisa Williamson and Sandra Magro Each night we would assemble as a year group with the Year 11 camp leaders and discuss our Christian values and how 11

As a part of their Science RUBE GOLDBERG and Technology topic, My New Invention, Year 5 MACHINES IN YEAR students have been learning 5 SCIENCE about the design process.

The girls began the unit by discussing that inventions STUDENT REFLECTIONS: are created to solve problems or to meet a need. They then 'I learnt that it’s really important to communicate when investigated various inventions and compared them in terms you are working in a team.' AMELIA W of their use, including serious lifesaving inventions such as spray on skin, along with crazy inventions like sun hats with 'This task taught me that when you design something built in fans. The girls learnt how social and environmental it doesn’t always work the first time and you need to keep factors influence the design and how properties of materials redesigning.' SOPHIE G determine their use for specific purposes. They also explored 'I learnt that good teamwork was the answer to making the ways in which inventions are constantly improved to make a successful machine.' SIMONE P them function better, cost less and to be more accessible to the market. 'This project has taught us to be persistent and to not just give up.' ABBY A The girls were then introduced to the design process and they explored the steps by making a Rube Goldberg inspired 'It is important to brainstorm lots at the beginning of the machine. A Rube Goldberg machine is a contraption or design process. Don’t just brainstorm for one idea that apparatus that is deliberately over-engineered to perform you think will work.' SOPHIA U a simple task in a complicated fashion, generally including a chain reaction. Using only household objects and recyclable materials they needed to use at least four different steps to make a toilet roll move in a 60cm by 60cm space. After brainstorming and designing the girls worked on this task for several weeks, going through each step of the design process. They needed to build, test and evaluate many before their machine was successful. This task not only gave the girls an opportunity to learn about the design process, but it was a wonderful exercise in developing patience, persistence and determination. Mrs Brooke Thomson Year 5 Teacher

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 The 2016 PLC Production Into the Woods was a feast for the eyes and ears.

FAIRY TALES COLLIDE IN A MODERN MUSICAL TWIST

Have you ever considered what happens after 'happily ever after'? The 2016 PLC Production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods took the audience on a post-modern mash-up of four traditional fairytales to answer this question.

Characters stepped outside of their own stories in order to Behind the scenes, Design and Technology students creatively fulfi ll their wishes, and whilst wishes were granted, narratives constructed costumes, student make-up artists applied glittery became entwined and unexpected consequences emerged. false eyelashes and stage crew maneuvered shadow screens The musical joyously subverted the traditional ending of and props. Students ushered, sold snacks, and adjusted radio wishful thinking with a powerful warning to be 'careful what microphones with professionalism and effi ciency. On stage, you wish for.' puppeteers breathed life into Milky White and our umbrella birds, actors embodied new characters, and everyone kept a It’s a brave performer who tackles such ideas, and the cast, close eye on the tip of the conductor’s baton. Underpinning all crew and orchestra of this production had no short measure of the student achievements was a team of staff who cheered, of courage. Months of rehearsing and hours of meticulous consoled, and celebrated as needed. This production was an musical cues resulted in a production that seamlessly merged acclamation of the generous sharing of imagination. scenes across a spectacular stage. With 200 lighting cues (double the usual amount in a PLC Production) and an endless Mrs Heather Clark stream of musical cues that kept Mr Harper and his orchestra Director on their toes, the 2016 PLC Production was a feast for the eyes and ears.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 14 60 SECONDS WITH....

MRS SARAH WALLER BCom GradDipEd

SOCIAL SCIENCE TEACHER

WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING? 2007.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A TEACHER OR HAVE YOU HAD OTHER CAREERS BEFORE TEACHING? After finishing my Commerce degree I worked as a research assistant at the NSW Chamber of Commerce (a business lobby group) and Tourism Australia. I also spent two years in London working in the finance office of Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design (made famous by the Pulp song 'Common People'; also where Stella McCartney and John Galliano studied Fashion Design).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST A TEACHER? CHALLENGE IN THE CLASSROOM? REWARDING ABOUT TEACHING? I love school! To be honest teaching My mum always says I speak too fast Being a teacher is more than just has always appealed to me but I didn't so I have to make an effort to slow standing at the front of a classroom. choose it straight out of school because down and communicate clearly. I get There are so many opportunities to I thought teachers were a bit lame - on a bit of a roll when I am excited get involved which is very rewarding. now I know better! about something. Just ask my During my time at PLC Sydney I have Economics classes about Budget day contributed to Pet Show, Rowing, I love the content or RBA board meetings! Duke of Ed, MUNA… the list goes on.

I teach - I have always WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTS/ been interested BEING INVOLVED IN EDUCATION? HOBBIES? in Economics and I am interested in young people's I love spending time at home with perspectives about the issues that my family. My 4-year-old daughter Geography and enjoy affect them, for example unemployment keeps me busy but I enjoy running and climate change. I hope that I can when I have the time. I can also crochet sharing my love of open their eyes to the world around and knit a little - I even put together these subjects with them and encourage them to make the Dorcas rug for my home room students. a difference. one year.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 15

SECRETARY TO HEAD TEACHERS, MS STEPHANIE CURRICULUM AND LEARNING AND TEACHING CANNON BA

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING experience. Our first guest to check- WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST AT PLC SYDNEY? out on the morning we implemented INFLUENCE IN LIFE? I started working at PLC Sydney our new Front Desk system in Los The person who has most influenced in May 2010. Angeles was none other than Bill my life is my mother. She was the best Gates. Fortunately, the system worked role model and friend and I learned seamlessly and luckily we were using WHAT OTHER ROLES HAVE YOU so much about life from her. She Microsoft applications (yes – he asked!). UNDERTAKEN PRIOR TO JOINING encouraged me to follow my dreams. I also spied George Clooney one THE COLLEGE? I hope that I live up to her standard lunchtime but didn’t get to meet him when parenting my daughter. After finishing my degree, I decided unfortunately! After moving back to to do a ‘fun’ job before looking for ‘real’ Sydney, I continued project managing DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTS/ work. I took a position at a five-star hotel IT implementations until I decided HOBBIES? hotel and fell in love with the lifestyle. it was time for a lifestyle change and I moved to London and worked in hotel here I am at PLC. I am a bit lazy on the weekends! I like IT for a major software vendor. This lying by the pool, reading, going to gave me lots of travel opportunities in Needless to say I never did use that movies, watching mindless television, the UK and Europe. After a few years, degree! going for a coffee, catching up with I moved back to hotel operations and people – anything but the housework! worked at The Dorchester, London as WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT I love to travel and try to visit their IT Manager. After nine years in YOUR ROLE? somewhere different each year. London, Asia beckoned and I moved I love my role at PLC. It includes a range to Hong Kong where I lived for six years of different types of tasks including WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO(S) IN LIFE? working in IT for The Hong Kong and BOSTES administration, arranging I have always lived by the motto of Shanghai Hotels. Their flagship hotel Parent Teacher nights, managing class taking every opportunity that life throws is The Peninsula Hong Kong. I travelled changes and so on. No two days are at you and running with it. You never a lot in this role and project managed the same! We have a great team so know where it might lead and you can IT implementations in their hotels in each day is rewarding and fun. always change course if it turns out that Hong Kong, Manila, Beijing, Los Angeles it’s not what you’d hoped for. From the It is nice to feel that I am in some way and New York. wonderful Walt Disney, 'All our dreams contributing to the education of the can come true if we have the courage I spent a lot of time working with the girls by providing support to the staff. to pursue them.' Front Desk teams and was able to It is also really lovely to watch the girls fleetingly meet many extraordinary blossom from the young girls we first people from the political, business, meet to the young women they are sporting and entertainment worlds when they reach the end of their during their check-in or check-out school education. 60 SECONDS WITH...

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 'The world is a book and USA SCIENCE TOUR those who do not travel read only one page.'

Whilst the source of this famous quote is disputed who could dispute the sentiment? And so it was, with a sense of great anticipation and adventure, that 33 students set off to explore some of the best Science sites in the USA for twelve days last April, on PLC Sydney’s first overseas Science tour.

Waving goodbye to our parents at Grand Canyon. We began with a trust Hunting for marine fossils on the Sydney Airport, it was hard to imagine exercise where each of us closed our canyon rim really cemented the fact the incredible experience that was eyes and held the person in front. that the entire area was once at ahead of us. Halfway across the Guided by our teachers, who of course the bottom of a warm shallow sea. Pacific, a wondrous thirty-minute had their eyes open, we were led, Contemplating the incredible forces lightning storm dazzled us in the shuffling and tripping in four snaking that create such landforms took our dead of night. Even the pilots were lines, to the edge of the canyon, breath away. impressed. What a spectacular start protected of course by a safety fence. In the desert the nights are dark and to our Science-focused expedition. 'Finally being able to open my eyes was cold. In the darkness we ventured out Our PLC jerseys often prompted one of the most breathtaking moments to the Lowell Observatory where, in a questions about our journey. Most of my life. I almost couldn’t believe what small round room, we huddled beside asked what sport we were competing I was seeing - the canyon was so vast; in the telescope used to discover Pluto. in; all were surprised to learn we were a way beautiful but in another terrifying. Surrounded by the cold, darkness of students from Sydney, Australia on This experience, I am sure is one that the desert, cocooned in the light, the a Science tour. What an amazing I shared with many of the other girls stories of our young astrophysicist school you must go to was the on the tour. To add even further to our guide filled us with awe. What a frequent comment. We all knew experience, our visit was accompanied fabulous first day. we were very fortunate. by some wild weather - lightning, hail By the time we had arrived in Phoenix, and even some snow. The Grand Canyon 'From The Grand Arizona, it was late evening and was nothing like anything I’ve ever seen. everyone was exhausted. Arizona No wonder it has been judged one of the Canyon to Pluto in was to treat us to some spectacular Seven Wonders of the Natural World.' one day! Fantastic!' scenery. The first, and possibly most Alexandra Caddy (Year 9) amazing place we visited was the Dr Paul Burgis (blog post)

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA The Winslow Meteor Crater, the best preserved meteor crater in the world, did not disappoint. Once again we were stunned as we contemplated the immense forces that have carved the surface of our planet. The dramatic landscape of Sedona ended our second day on the road in Arizona. 'The main thing that I will remember about the tour is coming across such passionate people who genuinely love Science and what they do for a living. From Kelly, the young astrophysicist at the Lowell Observatory, to the elderly female guide at the Meteor Crater, it was eye-opening to see that there are so many parts of Science to venture into, and that Science really does go beyond classroom learning and has something to do with everything.' Ellie Ng (Year 9) Washington DC brought a change in tempo. For a day we exchanged our Science focus to History. Washington is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the western world. The Smithsonian Institution’s National 'It is hard to pick one We walked everywhere: the Lincoln Museum of Natural History was a Memorial, the Martin Luther King real highlight. In the Forensic Science highlight, but viewing Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans’ workshop we set about trying to all the Washington Memorial, the Mall, the Washington uncover evidence about an actual Monument and the White House. missing person’s case. We handled real Monuments was This was incredibly interesting and human bones including a skull, which truly incredible, as quite emotional. The architecture was was both fascinating and unsettling! so impressive; it was hard to believe The National Air and Space Museum well as the forensics we were standing before these iconic was also a highlight; there was so much structures. history and so much technology to see. workshop.' Anna McDonald (Year 9) We enjoyed Washington; it was calm, across dried lava! It was amazing We sorted through buckets of algae to 18 orderly and picturesque. and nothing like we had imagined. retrieve and identify a range of marine The volcano crater at sunset was organisms which we then returned to By contrast New York was frenetic. spectacular. There is so much energy the sea. After negotiating the crowds along locked up inside our planet! the narrow pavements, we retreated 'The workshop also further enhanced to the tranquility of a Hudson River my desire to understand how our cruise. We saw the Statue of Liberty! 'I think the highlight of actions are having irreversible or An entertaining Italian dinner in the trip would have to detrimental consequences on the marine Hell’s Kitchen was followed by a environment.' Eleanor Lawton-Wade walk to Times Square, where we be the active volcano (Year 10) became embroiled in an anti-Trump at Mauna Ulu. All we 'Personally, going to Coconut Island demonstration. We were grateful to was definitely a highlight, especially retreat to our hotel. could do was stand in since I love biology. We learned that We caught the subway, which was awe before the power phytoplankton actually produces around surprisingly empty, to the American of the eruption.' two thirds of the oxygen that we breathe. Museum of Natural History and the Of course, every place we visited was a Hayden Planetarium. Walking the last Sophie Douglas (Year 10) new and eye-opening experience for me. few blocks through Central Park was This trip has shown us the importance of a calming contrast to the previous Back in Honolulu, we donned our Science, as well as the inspiring people, day. We shared the park with joggers, history caps for a short tour of Pearl historic sites and events of the past that squirrels and the odd tortoise and Harbour, to board the USS Missouri, have left us legacies and certain answers enjoyed a stop at the John Lennon the site of the Japanese surrender that lead us towards a better future. Memorial. The museum lived up to ending World War Two in the Pacific. Thanks to everyone who made this an expectation. We then spent some time swimming unforgettable and inspirational journey.' at Waikiki Beach and shopping for Wendy Lin (Year 9) 'To be able to pick one highlight is an souvenirs. impossible task, I have honestly loved The USA Science Tour was an every minute and only wish that it was The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology experience that we will never forget. not over so soon. I particularly enjoyed on Coconut Island was our final Thank you to the Science staff for the Museum of Natural History's Science encounter. On the boat trip organising such a fun and educational presentations on dark matter. It is across we trawled for plankton which tour; we loved every minute! extraordinary to think that the visible we examined under the microscope in 'I will be forever grateful for this trip - universe only comprises 5-10% of a lab workshop. This was fascinating. it has expanded my social skills, Science what is actually there. The rest is only We learned that a plan to farm algae skills and of course tested my eating evident through observing changes in had resulted in an algal invasion of skills (especially the Mexican burrito!).' gravitational interactions.' Eleanor the ecosystems surrounding the Sophie Douglas (Year 10) Lawton-Wade (Year 10) island. Removal of this plague species would result in the removal of many Alexandra Caddy (Year 9), Natalie Our final destination was Hawaii. organisms living amongst the algae. Lambropoulos (Year 9), Eleanor We visited Volcanoes National Park Lawton-Wade (Year 10), Mrs Jo on the Big Island. We even walked McGrouther (Head of Science)

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 19

The amazing Teach-OARS (left to right): Lani Bailey (Year 9 student), Alice Mingoue, Tamarra Glenn, Katrina Avery, Aleesha Pusetto, Wendy Bullock, Jo Lukabyo, Emma Lukabyo (ex-student), Hillary Scandrett and Nick Minch (coach).

Each year during the month of May, OARSOME the PLC Sydney rowing community hosts a major fundraising event – STAFF ROWERS Rowing in May.

This is where parents, friends of parents, businesses and corporate crews (as a great team building activity) come together for eight rowing sessions over four weeks, ending in racing similar crews from other schools at the Great Autumn Regatta. This year, for the fi rst year ever, PLC Sydney teachers put together two teacher crews – the ‘OAR-stars’ (Natalie Kelman, Science; Daniel Isgro, Science; Mark Fletcher, Mathematics; Edwina Soh, Christian Studies; Sophie McKendry, Pre-Kindergarten; Brooke Thomson, Year 5; Maria Passaris, Year 3; Kate Wheatley, Year 6; and the ‘Teach-OARS’ (Tamarra Glenn, Year 2; Wendy Bullock, Year 4; Hilary Scandrett, Year 2; Alice Minogue, Year 4; Katrina Avery, Year 2; Aleesha Pustetto, Year 5; Emily Hobson, Kindergarten. All staff had a fantastic time. They enjoyed the challenge of learning a new skill, loved the distraction from work and home, thrived in the fresh air, sunrises on the water and exercise, and built new, stronger bonds with work colleagues from across all areas of the school. Congratulations to both crews for their achievements over the four weeks. And a special congratulations to the OAR-stars for winning the D Final at the Great Autumn Regatta on Sunday 29 May 2016. We hope to see more staff joining in next year, to experience the wonders of rowing. Ms Jenny Clarke Head of Rowing and Acting Head PDHPE

The winning OAR-stars (left to right): Mark Fletcher, Sophie McKendry, Maria Passaris, Brooke Thomson, Edwina Soh, Natalie Kelman, King’s 1st 8+ cox, Kate Wheatley, Daniel Isgro and son.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 20 EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE @ PLC

The study of Geology and the environment at a senior level has returned to PLC Sydney after a gap of about 80 years and never before has the content and skills been more important.

Earth and Environmental Science (EES) is the study of Our day trip to visit Canberra was most rewarding. We started the earth and its processes. The course aims to provide an at GeoScience Australia, viewing the earth in a 3D cinema. understanding of systems and processes in both aquatic The students looked at the depth and intensity of earthquakes and terrestrial environments. It seeks to explore changes and the location of volcanoes and spreading ridges and that have occurred during earth's history, including changes participated in a fascinating conversation with the duty in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere seismologist in the tsunami warning centre. He explained his and biosphere, and the evolution of organisms since the job and discussed the computer read-outs from the network origin of life on earth. of global tsunami warning centres. Small tremors were viewed ‘live’ in various locations around the world and the conditions In Term 1 the students have studied the formation of the solar necessary for a tsunami to occur were discussed. The main system and the earth after the Big Bang, the evolution foyer had an extraordinary display of minerals and meteorites. of the atmosphere and the appearance of the fi rst life on earth. Evidence of climate change over the earth’s history We then ventured outside to the Geological TimeWalk, a provided by the geological record has been investigated. physical representation of geological time in the landscaped Students have looked at common rock-forming minerals gardens of the Geoscience Australia. and can distinguish between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and identify common rocks.

Students visited sites around Canberra studying igneous rock intrusions, contact metamorphism and sedimentary rocks containing fossils from the Silurian and Ordovician periods. Photo by Emma Parker. 21

The 2016 Earth and Environmental Science class with a copy of a PLC Sydney Geology note book from the 1930s. As new members of the Geological Society of Australia, the students received a goody bag of resources at the start of the year.

The TimeWalk leads you on a 1.1 kilometre journey through the earth's 4600 million year history and represents the evolution of the earth from its formation through to the present day.

Since the TimeWalk's installation in 2009, large rock samples have been collected from around Australia and put on display at locations along the TimeWalk that refl ect their age. Each rock has a story to tell, with geological, economic, environmental and/or cultural signifi cance. Students Students investigating soil pH on an excursion to Bantry Bay. were fascinated to see samples of iron banding and fossil stromatolites which they had studied in class. The walk highlighted the important fact that for most of the earth’s The aim of the Earth and Environmental Science course is existence there was no complex life. to provide learning experiences that develop knowledge and We then visited sites around Canberra showing igneous understanding of important geological and environmental rock intrusions, contact metamorphism and sedimentary concepts. It also seeks to develop positive attitudes towards rocks containing fossils from the Silurian and Ordovician the study of planet earth and its environments, and towards periods. Folds, reverse and normal faults and horst the opinions held by others, recognising the importance of and graben were also viewed. Soil and regolith profi les were evidence and critically evaluating diff ering scientifi c opinions also observed. related to various aspects of Earth and Environmental Science. These attributes will be important in an earth increasingly In Term 2 EES students studied the local environment and aff ected by Climate Change. attended fi eld trips to Bantry Bay and Bicentennial Park Homebush to observe the changes in the environment over Mrs Fiona Hendriks the past 50 years and the local biodiversity. In Term 3 the Science Teacher students will be studying water and the eff ect of pollutants in the Australian environment as well as wastewater management. The students then study plate tectonics.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 22 IN PROFILE

LITIANA FIELD

WHAT SPORT/S ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? My main sports are fi eld hockey in the winter season LITIANA and indoor hockey in the summer season. FIELD HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED? I started playing hockey when I was eight. YEAR 11 HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? I played AFL from the time I was in Kindy and made the switch over to hockey after watching a few games and really enjoying it.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WITH JUGGLING SCHOOL WORK AND COMPETING/TRAINING? The biggest challenge is time management. I have to make sure I’m putting in the hours to complete both training and school work which does mean that I have to prioritise.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO WHEN YOU ARE NOT COMPETING OR DOING SCHOOL WORK? Any free time I get away from training or school work, I spend with my friends and family.

WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY COMPETING/TRAINING? It is currently the winter season so I’m playing club for Glebe and representative hockey with the Sydney East women’s side.

WHAT IS THE NEXT EVENT YOU WILL BE COMPETING AT? I will be travelling to South Africa to compete in a test series for the Australian School Girls team.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? My biggest sporting achievement is being selected for the Australian School Girls team after competing at Nationals in Perth.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SPORTING AMBITION? I want to see how far hockey can take me whether it be state, national or international. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A SQUAD/TEAM? I’m currently in the u18s New South Wales fi eld hockey squad which competes at Nationals every year.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 23

SIENNA CAI

WHAT SPORT/S ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Ice skating: (solo) fi gure skating and (team) synchronised skating. SIENNA HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED? CAI Seven. YEAR 4 HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? I started in China during a Christmas holiday.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WITH JUGGLING SCHOOL WORK AND COMPETING/TRAINING? There is not enough time to do homework. I am sometimes very tired after school but I still need to do training.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO WHEN YOU ARE NOT COMPETING OR DOING SCHOOL WORK? Play violin, read and play with friends.

WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY COMPETING/TRAINING? I am training at Canterbury Ice Rink and also some weekends at Penrith Ice Rink.

WHAT IS THE NEXT EVENT YOU WILL BE COMPETING AT? The Sydney Synch Festival in October and the NSW and Australian Championships in November.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? I have learnt new skills and worked hard both individually and with team members.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SPORTING AMBITION? To be the State Champion and the National Champion.

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A SQUAD/TEAM? I am a member of Majestic Ice Australia - Novis B Synchronised Skating Team.

DO YOU HAVE A RANKING? Solo fi gure skating: Preliminary Synchronised skating team: 2nd in NSW Championships Novis B in 2015: 5th in National Championships IN PROFILE

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 24 BADMINTON

Ms Belinda Harden (Head of Sport) started off ering badminton to the Senior School back in 2006, with a small group of girls. The interest has grown quite considerably since then, with 21 very competitive teams now entered into the Loreto Normanhurst Badminton Invitational Competition in Term 1.

2016 sees the fi rst year badminton has been off ered to our Junior School girls, as an after school activity. The Sports Department have been inspired by growing interest in this sport over the past few years and when an opportunity to Not only are our girls who play train at the National Badminton Centre in Silverwater was presented to us, we knew it was time to start growing the regularly through club or personal depth of talent within the Junior School. coaching improving, girls who had The girls, from Years 3 to 6, who have taken up this never picked up a racket before are opportunity, during Terms 1 and 2, participate in a ‘Shuttle Time Program’. Shuttle Time, is badminton's World Federations having lots of fun while learning and Schools Program which aims at developing the knowledge and are now playing games. confi dence to play badminton in a safe and fun way. I have been very impressed by the quality of venue, standard Mr Colin Smith of coaching and exciting coaching methods used. Sports Coordinator

JOANNE GE

WHAT SPORT/S ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Badminton and swimming.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED BADMINTON? I started when I was six.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? My mum was playing badminton and she wanted me to play.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BADMINTON? I like badminton because it is easy to play and it is very popular.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WITH JOANNE JUGGLING SCHOOL WORK AND COMPETING/TRAINING? GE I don’t have enough time. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO WHEN YOU ARE NOT YEAR 4 COMPETING OR DOING SCHOOL WORK? Music and practising badminton moves.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 25 YOLANDA QIAO

WHAT SPORT/S ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Badminton, swimming, aerobics and ice skating.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED BADMINTON? I started when I was seven.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? My dad persuaded me.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BADMINTON? You get to verse each other.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WITH JUGGLING SCHOOL WORK AND COMPETING/TRAINING? I have to wake up early, feeling tired which I don’t like too much. YOLANDA WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO WHEN YOU ARE NOT COMPETING OR DOING SCHOOL WORK? QIAO Nothing really, apart from drawing because I don’t have time. YEAR 3 WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? Getting my foot work correct.

KIANNA LIU

WHAT SPORT/S ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Badminton.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED? Eight.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? I chose it as an after school sport.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO WHEN YOU ARE NOT COMPETING OR DOING SCHOOL WORK? Reading, music and playing piano. KIANNA LIU YEAR 3

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 26 SENSATIONAL SCIENCE IN SINGAPORE

Before the start of Term 1 this year, Jade Lin (Year 11) and Emma Liu (Year 11) together with Mrs Fiona Hendriks, had the opportunity to go to Singapore for the annual International Science Youth Conference (ISYF) in January.

This five-day, student-run program The girls participated in a masterclass There was also a ‘cultural hour’ held at the Hwa Chong Institute with some of Singapore’s most well allocated to almost every day where (at which the students boarded at) respected scientists who shared the students were able to share was a chance to meet, speak with their research in areas ranging from aspects of the culture of their country. and learn from Nobel Laureates identical twinning to data analysis and Jade and Emma, in collaboration with and other students from some of the processing. They were also able to meet Isabelle McGrath and Sam Wilson from best science high schools in the world. with seven Nobel Laureates in a Nobel Brisbane Girls Grammar, represented It included a poster competition in forum and dialogue in which each Australia. In addition, the fourth day which students from each country scientist briefly explained their area of involved a larger cultural exhibition prepared and presented a science research. The talks explored asymptotic where participants representing each research project (SRP). freedom (Prof. David Jonathan Gross), country were given a stall at which they superfluidity and superconductivity (Sir introduced their country’s culture, food, Jade represented PLC Sydney in Anthony James Leggett), the discovery fashion and some traditional games. presenting her SRP - Plastic: A Pesky of the bacterium helicobacter pylori Problem, which came 1st in Chemistry (Prof. John Robin Warren), detecting the in the 2016 STANSW Awards and third One of the highlights, W and Z bosons (Prof. Carlo Rubbia), in the People’s Choice Awards during the discovery of new cross coupling however, no doubt was ISYF. The investigations presented methods (Prof. Ei-ichi Negishi), the by each student were incredibly being able to meet and internal structure of nucleons (Prof. impressive, and the winning project Jerome Isaac Friedman), and research become friends with made phone chargers out of blueberry into cell cycle regulation (Sir Tim Hunt). juice, presented by two students students from all over from Cité Scolaire Internationale They were also able to visit two the world, especially de Grenoble, France. of Singapore’s best science-based universities and institutes - A*Star during sessions of free The first day of the program consisted and Nanyang Technological University with icebreakers and an ‘Amazing (NTU). Students were taken into time at night. Race’ across downtown Singapore. wet research labs investigating and The students were divided into groups inventing chemicals to clean up oil The groups still keep in touch and even which they spent a large part of their spills, the ability of green tea to treat skype after the end of ISYF, having time with, meaning the groups became cancer, spintronics (investigating the grown a close relationship with each very close by the end of the program. spin of an electron) and experimenting other and their facilitators. They were able to visit many of with lasers, along with hands-on Singapore’s main attractions, including This is an opportunity undoubtedly activities demonstrating Jacob’s ladder, Clarke Quay (pronounced much recommended by Jade, Emma and future uses of magnets, polarization like Clarkey), Marina Bay Wharf, the Mrs Hendriks for anyone who is given through a microscope and exploring double helix bridge and the Esplanade, the opportunity to go to ISYF or a the possibility of an invisibility cloak Singapore’s art centre, as well as similar event in 2016. (through the bending of light), as well exhibitions on past Noble Laureates as much more. These activities were Emma Liu and Jade Lin and their findings and the Large Hadron dependent on which group one was in. Year 11 Collider and its inner construction.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA FUEL IGNITES WITH 27 A BLAST IN 2016!

PLC Sydney’s student-led Christian group 'Fuel' has had an exciting fi rst semester of the school year.

It has been wonderful to see the and there was a mix of interesting Cru group) to plot and plan for the group grow as more people come people who got on really well and conference. The team consists of Ruby together to fi nd out about the Christian formed friendships easily. Watters, Alison Lowe, Christina Bouletos faith in school. We are all grateful to and Stephanie Chew from PLC and Back at PLC in Term 1, we started have had the opportunity to spread Ian Xing, Austin Irwin, Jordan Ng and our regular Wednesday lunch Fuel’s reach further than our lunchtime Yannick Gilanyi from the Scots College. meetings with a new series called meetings this semester through leading The aim of the conference is to train us, 'Soul'. It was an infl uential series for senior assemblies and organising as youth, to be equipped to lead others Fuel. Every week, we would explore activities which involve the whole at our respective school Christian a new aspect of Christianity using the Senior School. groups or at our own youth groups. This Christianity Explored material called training will be delivered through Bible As we focus on how we can encourage Soul. Each week we were challenged talks (our guest speaker is Luke Murray) girls to meet at Fuel across PLC, we to explore topics such as death, Jesus’ and through practical workshops. On have also joined forces with The Scots resurrection, sin and more. The series top of all this, the weekend will include College and their Christian group (called was great at answering questions plenty of games, music, free time and Cru) in running socials and activities people might have, especially people food! Our hope is that this will be a time to promote Christian fellowship and who are trying to work out what to encourage and strengthen students networking. Christianity is. There was plenty of across both schools in their faith and room for discussion. This series was We started the year with an afternoon desire to serve God and others. the perfect way to welcome new social between PLC Fuel girls and the students to Fuel and also re-establish We look forward to the exciting times Scots Cru group at Centennial Park. It the faith of others. ahead for Fuel and thank God for the was a great opportunity to get to know wonderful opportunity we have to love, each other before we all go to our Fuel As part of our network with The Scots serve and learn about Him, together Conference together in Term 3. We College, for the fi rst time this year, PLC as a student community. started off with some ultimate frisbee, and Scots will run a Fuel Leadership which soon escalated into an intense Conference for Years 9 to 12 in Term Ruby Watters (Year 12), Christina Bouletos and exciting game. We also had a picnic 3. The conference will be held between (Year 11), Simona Lattuca (Year 9), for afternoon tea, and hung out in the 19–21 August at Port Hacking. During Stephanie Chew (Year 10) and Mrs Edwina park. It was quite a large group of about this half of the year, some of the Soh (Chaplain for FUEL). 23 kids, so it was great to spend some Fuel leaders have been meeting with time meeting new people and getting students from Scots (leaders from their to know them all. One of the best parts An afternoon social at Centennial Park was a great opportunity for the girls to get to know of our partnership the Scots Cru before the Fuel Conference in Term 3. with Scots College is the chance to connect with other young Christian people, and have engaging conversations.

Some of us fi nd it helpful to talk to other high-school students who have similar beliefs and questions to us. It is really encouraging to be in a social environment where our faith can be shared by other people around us. The event was a fun and relaxed afternoon, ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

There was something incredibly special about our recent trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the April holidays, where Annie McCarthy and I represented our nation and school with pride at the 2016 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC).

WIDPSC was undoubtedly the most rather, admittedly, finishing editing The tournament comprises four incredible and surreal experience and learning our speeches!), ordering events: parliamentary debate, that we were fortunate enough to countless Starbucks and recovering impromptu speaking, interpretive experience. from the inevitable jetlag. reading, and either persuasive speaking or after-dinner speaking. Annie McCarthy and I still were elated When the day of the Opening We competed in preliminary rounds that we qualified for the Australian Ceremony came around, we headed for each event, with various different representative team, and even as our over to the picturesque grounds international judges scoring us each plane took off to the ‘land of the free,’ of Shady Side Academy, reunited time to make it as fair and unbiased even then, it hadn’t quite sunken in with the rest of the members of the as possible. At the end of the week, that we were off to compete at the Australian team and got to know the the top 10 highest scoring speakers most prestigious international public other delegates from all around the in each section qualified for the finals, speaking and debating championship; world; like-minded public speakers where then, the two overall highest one that would unite nations, instigate who were literally 'the best of the scoring competitors are selected by insightful discussion, and inspire us all best', who qualified by being in the the adjudicating panel to go head to to ceaselessly contribute to the world. top 10 of their respective national head in the Grand Finals, performed tournaments. Coming from USA, Hong Prior to the competition, speech in the Grand Auditorium. Kong, Canada, England, South Africa, teacher Mrs Hawkey, Annie, my mum Lithuania, Pakistan, Cyprus, South and I had spent a few days getting Korea and China: it really was 'the used to the freezing Pittsburgh Olympics' of public speaking weather, practising our pieces (or, and debating.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA In between the events, we enjoyed Our gratitude extends to Ms Stacey Just as this experience the numerous activities and Konstantopolous and Mrs Jacqui 29 sightseeing activities which were so Field for their generous guidance and has shaped Annie and well-organised by the directors of the support. I remember the day before competition at Shady Side Academy. we were due to fl y off , Stacey took I as people, I now Annie and I got to make incredible the time to read through and suggest realise that we, as friends, learn more about diff erent edits for my speech, and for that I cultures and soak in the USA in all its am so grateful! Thanks must go to do the other 120 extravagance, together. Natasha Noore and Mel Walsh, who competitors, have are not only world class speakers Both Annie and I were incredibly themselves but undeniably older the potential to proud of our achievements. We both sisters to us both, sharing advice, found ourselves in two fi nals shape the world. anecdotes and always being there each: both of us in the Interpretive to help us grow as public speakers Reading fi nal, Annie in the After- We have both realised that our ability and debaters. This also extends Dinner Speech fi nals, and myself to communicate thoughtfully and also to Laura Batchelor-Sharp, who in the fi nals of the Persuasive without fear, isn’t just a skill that we’ll competed in WIDPSC 2015 and always Speaking section. Annie placed 6th look back on fondly when we’re older. supported us, having gone through in her moving excerpt in Interpretive the same experience just last year. Our experience at WIDPSC really Reading and 5th in her hilarious We also thank Dr Burgis, our teachers helped us open our eyes to the After-Dinner speech. I placed 4th in and classmates for cheering us from breadth of the world and recognise Persuasive Speaking for my speech across the seas. that we have a responsibility. Political, about honour killings in Pakistan, environmental, humanitarian change… and was awarded World Champion in Getting to do something We can no longer leave it up to the Interpretive Reading. Overall, Annie internationally is always a pleasure world leaders. Because undoubtedly, and I respectively ranked 26th and and a privilege that I don’t take some of us at WIDPSC will one day go 11th in WIDPSC. for granted. on to lead our nations, and perhaps We’d like to thank Mrs Hawkey and Ms At the core of it, regardless of even the world, ourselves. Bennetts for their dedication and zest the countries we represent, or Nicole Sung in teaching and guiding us – and for the cultures we identify with, the Year 12 being incredibly supportive especially international discourse that is when things got a little stressful sparked unites people. in the lead up to the competition.

Annie McCarthy (left) and Nicole Sung represented Australia and PLC Sydney at the 2016 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 30 REFLECTING ON BA VI, VIETNAM

The Year 11 Vietnam Service trip is about taking action and changing your view of the world. Laura Sweeting refl ects on her time at the Ba Vi Centre.

When I had the privilege of travelling to Vietnam in April this year, I met Tam. Tam is a 5-year-old girl who lives at the Ba Vi Centre. Upon asking the other residents at Ba Vi for more information about Tam, I found that little was known about her. There was no birth certifi cate, nobody knew who her parents were, or when she had arrived at Ba Vi. When was her birthday? Did she have siblings? Why was she at the centre? One piece of information the residents could tell me however, was that she was deaf. Deaf. Her only disability. All Tam may need is a hearing aid, or simple surgery yet her country of birth and position prevented this. She wasn’t being taught sign language and couldn’t speak. We communicated throughout the trip with touch and excessive pointing. I would carry her for the entirety of the day and she would point in the direction she wanted to go. However, if I were to follow her directions incorrectly, she would take my head between her small hands, look me in the eye with a pained expression and point me back on track. I know Tam is extremely intelligent, despite her hearing impairment. Laura Sweeting visited the Ba Vi It was on the day that this photo was taken (image shown Centre in Vietnam on the Year 11 right), when we were both sitting on a concrete slope. I was Vietnam Service Learning Tour sitting on the ground, Tam in my lap. Legs outstretched and Tam had perfectly positioned her legs on top of mine. and had the opportunity to spend She had taken both of my hands and placed them in her time with 5-year-old Tam. lap, while she was amusing herself with the miraculous task of blowing bubbles. It struck me that Tam could not hear the children squealing, laughing and running around us. She could not communicate with them, could not sing with Observing Tam’s smiling face, I was overcome with a strong them and could not be taught the rules of a game. sense of guilt. How, why, did I deserve my life and she deserve hers? Surely such an amazing girl deserves better The world around us was so noisy, opportunities. However, what the Vietnam trip helped me to understand is that we should not feel guilty about our but to Tam, it was quiet. Her position in life. We do not control the country or family we are born into. What we do control however, is how we sight and the physical contact utilise our privilege and opportunities. It is our responsibility between us, was all that she was to use our position in society to take action. Action is the only way to promote equality in our world. Action is taking experiencing in that very moment. the opportunity to visit the Ba Vi Centre in Vietnam. In that very moment, I was her On behalf of all the Year 11 students and teachers who whole world. travelled to Vietnam, we would like to extend an enormous thank you to Dr Burgis and the PLC Sydney Foundation for making this service trip possible. Tam’s smiling face turned towards me. She brushed strands of hair away from my cheeks behind my ears and out of Laura Sweeting pure kindness, she outstretched her hand, allowing me to Year 11 share in blowing the bubbles. She giggled as they popped in her face. She was happy.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA SUPPORTING ALLOWAH 31

Early in Term 1, the Year 7 Service Captains had the pleasure of travelling to Dundas Valley to see our year group’s charity: Allowah Children’s Hospital.

Allowah is a hospital that provides quality medical and Shower scrubbers were used, as a replacement to brushes, allied health care to children with complex disabilities and to apply paint in interesting patterns. Following this, bubbles health needs. were brought out, and by the end of the day we were all splattered in water and soap! Upon first glance, the hospital looked more like a play centre, as it was full of colour, toys, gardens and of course, Disney princesses. Once we met the children though, it was clear that The support provided by Year 7 it was more than just fun and games. It was confronting at helps the hospital in many practical first, but once you understood what their different movements meant, it was great fun to interact with them. Their disabilities ways, such as painting a mural made it difficult to have a two-way conversation, but after a on the wall in the playground and while we found ways to include them in the conversation by using picture cards depicting activities we enjoyed doing. making feeding smocks for staff, We had to learn a song called ‘The One and Only God’ which as well as monetary support that we performed for the children, whilst ringing bells and dancing can be used for many worthwhile with coloured ribbons to engage them with sight as well as hearing. After the performance we took them outside for projects. some fresh air and sunlight, and read stories based on the song we had previously sung to them. Allowah is a worthwhile cause for Year 7 to be supporting, and I am awaiting the day I get to take my homeroom there Whilst the children had their lunch, we assisted the staff with anticipation. members of Allowah by helping them clean the toys. By this time we had all formed relationships with the children at Zoe Jewell Allowah, so our next activity of painting was really enjoyed Year 7 by all those participating. 32

Perry, Adelaide. Untitled. 1918. Watercolour on paper.

The College was very excited to ADELAIDE receive an unexpected phone call from a member of the community PERRY last month with the news that they wished to donate a work DONATION by Adelaide Perry.

Mrs Cathy Nelson soon after visited the College on Coincidentally 1918, was the same year Adelaide Perry behalf her late mother Gwen Cunningham to carry out her won the prestigious National Gallery School Travelling Art wishes in donating an artwork to the Adelaide Perry Gallery Scholarship that took her to Europe to study in Paris and and PLC Sydney. The delightful artwork depicts a pencil London and was the catalyst for her career as an artist. and watercolour study of a rustic cottage and is signed Adelaide Perry was later to become a successful painter, A. E. Perry, 1918. draughtswoman, printmaker and educator and was Art Mrs Nelson explained a personal family connection that Mistress at PLC Sydney between 1930 –1962. The Adelaide accompanies the story behind the work. In 1918, Adelaide Perry Gallery in The Croydon Centre for Art, Design and Perry (1891–1973) was staying at the YMCA in Melbourne Technology was opened in her honour in 2001. during the time she was studying at the National Gallery PLC Sydney is extremely grateful for this generous gift to the School under Frederick McCubbin and other key artists College. This work, now part of the PLC Sydney Collection will of the day. One day, Miss Perry took a train to Heidelberg, be conserved and proudly displayed in Gwen Cunningham’s namesake of the Heidelberg School of Australian memory, alongside many other works by the same artist in Impressionist painting, of which McCubbin was a leading our collection. member. Adelaide completed the watercolour and pencil on paper as an observational study of a quaint home with Ms Jo Knight an unkept garden much to the concern of its resident who Curator, Adelaide Perry Gallery was noted as saying at the time that there were 'much better houses down the road' she could paint. The work caught the eye and was purchased for one guinea by Mayfl ower Cunningham, Mrs Nelson’s grandmother who happened to be staying at the YMCA at the same time as Adelaide.

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA DIVERS JOIN THE CAST OF 33 MOST EXTREME ALIEN EARTH

Filming for the new Channel 9 series The camera men followed us up and went to the 7 metre platform to video from a different angle. We had to do Most Extreme Alien Earth was really some acting after this, but you’ll have to wait and see exciting and fun! what happened! After all that fun, the camera man suited up and got into the icey water. He swam all the way to the bottom of the pool, under the 3 metre board, along with his underwater camera. The director told us where to land and when to go. On Friday 20 May, Lauren Flint, Milla Karam, Emily We basically had to land above the camera man. When we Webb, Tyra Olsson and myself went to Parramatta pool finished this section, we got out and warmed up. to get a few videos of us diving for a new series on Channel 9. We all thanked the director, manager, and the camera man When we arrived, the director explained what he was aiming for giving us the opportunity and they thanked us for coming. for in the show and we got started with the filming. When I landed in the water, I felt like I was in ice! I got out straight This opportunity was a great experience to have been a part away and ran back up to the 3 metre diving board to lay in of. Make sure you all watch the new series Most Extreme Alien the sun. After going back up and down many times, puffed Earth on Channel 9 early next year! out and freezing cold, we went up higher to do some Charlotte Somboli platform dives. Year 7

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 34 ALUMNI FROM THE ARCHIVES MARIE BYLES: MANY LIVES IN ONE

One of the aims of education is to help us actualise our potentialities: to express ourselves creatively, to pursue knowledge, to fi nd spiritual fulfi lment, and to contribute to our society.

As an example of one who exemplifi es these goals, we need look no further than to Marie Beuzeville Byles (1900-1979), a student at PLC Sydney in 1914 and 1915.

EDUCATION Marie was born in Cheshire, England and migrated to New South Wales with her parents and two brothers in 1912. They built a large house near the bush in Beecroft. Marie came to Marie Byles was Dux at Presbyterian Ladies' College Pymble PLC Sydney in 1914 as a day student. Her name appeared in in 1916 and 1917. Credit: Pymble Ladies' College. the 'Roll of Honour' nearly every term she was here and she sat the Intermediate Certifi cate in 1915. FIRST SOLICITOR IN NSW Of the approximately 30 staff members at the time, it was her teacher Miss Constance Mackness who encouraged and On 4 June 1924 Marie Byles became the fi rst woman admitted inspired Marie. She wrote later that 'Miss Mackness taught as a solicitor in New South Wales. Five years later, at the start me history and… I was ‘struck’ on her more than on any of of the Great Depression, using £40 her mother had given the other teachers'. 1 When the College opened the branch her, she established her own practice. She recorded that in Pymble in 1916, Miss Mackness was promoted to Senior she rented part of the foyer of the Duke of York Theatre in Mistress there. Indeed, it seems likely that Miss Mackness Eastwood for 15 shillings a week. She had three chairs, a small was one of the reasons Marie fi nished her secondary safe and a brass plate out the front, and she waited for her education at Pymble, where she was Dux in 1916 and fi rst clients.3 Head Prefect and Dux in 1917. Not surprisingly, Solicitor Byles was drawn to causes that Marie was a boarder at Pymble and wrote that 'I became more promoted the rights of women. She campaigned for woman’s closely acquainted with ‘Macko’. The best days during the year right to practise law, argued for equal guardianship, equal were when she would take two or three girls for a bush walk in pay and just divorce for women. And she led by example. She the gullies below the school'. 2 Years later, Miss Mackness, who employed women both in her Eastwood practice and later herself published several novels, encouraged Marie to write at her offi ce in the city. She trained them to higher levels of and helpfully went through her manuscript of By Cargo Boat responsibility, encouraged fl exible working arrangements and and Mountain. instituted a system of profi t sharing.4 She practised law for nearly half a century and retired in 1970. Although she was only 158 cm tall and of slight build, Marie’s quiet determination served her well during her days at the BUSHWALKER AND CONSERVATIONIST University of Sydney, where the great majority of students were male and where often she was the only female in her Marie inherited a love of the natural environment and law classes. Her university friends included writers Dymphna enjoyment of the outdoors from her father and as a young Cusak and Christina Stead. She received her BA in 1920 with adult she joined the Sydney Bushwalkers Club. Through her fi rst class honours in History. Four years later, in 1924, she bushwalking activities she became friends with writer Eleanor received her LL.B. Dark and the pioneer bushwalker and camping equipment retailer 'Paddy' Pallin.

1 From typescript in front of a copy of Miss Pickle (by Constance Mackness) 3 “Marie Byles–A Refl ection on Her Life as a Legal Practitioner”, Chris Ronalds AM donated by Marie Byles to PLC in 1964. PLC Sydney Archives Series 18 Box 182. SC. Paper given at the National Trust, Sydney, 13 September 2005. 2 IBID. 4 IBID. In 1927, having saved enough money from working as a law clerk, she set off on a trip around the world on a Norwegian 35 cargo boat. Her chief pursuits during the twelve months were walking and mountaineering. She explained to the Sunday Sun, 'No one who has not done any mountain climbing can realise the exhilaration of it. That, and the magnifi cence of the views from the heights, are ample reward for the diffi culties. Since I left Australia I have climbed dozens of mountains in England, Scotland, Norway and Canada. The highest I climbed in England and Scotland were 2000 and 3000 feet; in Norway, 5000, and in the Rockies 10 000 feet'. In New Zealand she climbed Mt Cook and later led expeditions to New Zealand’s highest peak. In 1938 she led a group to Mt Sanseto near the Tibetan border in China, but bad weather prevented the expedition from reaching the summit. She wrote about some of these adventures in By Cargo Boat and Mountain (London, 1931). Marie was not only an active bushwalker and mountaineer, but she also wrote articles to campaign for areas of bushland to be placed under public ownership. Thanks to her eff orts and those of like-minded conservationists, many of them members of the Federation of Sydney Bushwalkers Clubs, Bouddi Natural Park near Gosford (now Bouddi National Park) Marie Byles aboard the Norwegian cargo boat SS Eknaren; was created in 1935, a major achievement in those early days 1928. Image from SLNSW. of conservation.

Her travels in China, Burma and Vietnam rekindled her interest in the teachings of Gandhi and then she explored Buddhism. She had always been a pacifi st and named her house 'Ahimsa', an Indian word meaning 'non-violence' and used by Gandhi. She found comfort in the teachings of Buddha. Indeed, although she carried on a busy law practice and continued her various writings, at 'Ahimsa' she tended her organic vegetable garden, looked after her beehives and meditated. In the 1950s Marie built a meditation hut on her bushland property and called it the 'Hut of Happy Omen'. It was open to anyone who wanted to enjoy the peacefulness of nature and to meditate. In 1970 she gave her property to the National Trust of New South Wales, on the proviso that she lived there until her death. Sadly, in the peaceful environment of 'Ahimsa', Marie Byles was attacked by a night-time intruder in 1966. She suff ered a fractured skull and jaw, injuries from which she never fully recovered. She died in her beloved home on 21 November 1979 and her ashes were scattered in the adjacent bushland.

MORE ABOUT MARIE BYLES • Filmmaker Gillian Coote produced a dramatised documentary on the life of Marie Byles in 1985, A Singular Woman. Marie Byles and guide Alf Brustad on the summit of Mount • The Summit of Her Ambition: The Spirited Life of Marie Byles, Cook in a blizzard, January 1929. Image from SLNSW. Anne McLeod, 2016. www.annemcleod.com.au • Copies of the fi lm and the book are both held in PLC REFLECTION AND MEDITATION Sydney Archives. A foot injury that never healed properly ended Marie’s • 'Ahimsa' is located at 67 Cobran Road, Cheltenahm. climbing days. In the late 1930s and 1940s her interest in the The bush land and the meditation sanctuary 'Hut of Happy bush shifted towards the quiet, meditative aspects of the out- Omens' are open to the public. of-doors and philosophy. In 1935 she purchased 1.3 hectares of bushland in suburban Cheltenham for £160 and built Ms Debby Cramer a simple pre-fabricated fi bro and sandstone house with Archivist a wide verandah.

5 “Climbing the World – Woman Mountaineer – Miss Marie Byles on Holiday”, 7 “At the House of Non-Violence”, Helen Frizell, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Sun, 11 October 1928, p. 55. as reproduced in The Ex-Students’ News, 1972, p.7-8. 6 “Woman’s legacy a magical retreat”, Geraldine O’Brien, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Op. cit. “Woman’s legacy a magical retreat”. 4 May 1996, p.11. 9 “Marie Byles”, Jonathan Solomon, Dictionary of Sydney. 36 ALUMNI WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

I have recently moved to Carlingford High School and I am enjoying the change as I am now in the classroom more teaching what I love - Mathematics SAMANTHA and Computing. I am married to Joe and we have PENNINGTON two children, Lucy and Chris. Over (neé Haysom) the last couple of years we have had the opportunity to travel overseas CLASS OF 1983 together and that has been a great bonding experience for everyone. My husband and I believe that travel is an excellent educational opportunity for our children. I think our favourite trip was to Cambodia in 2012 as it • Playing tennis at lunchtime. SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… was a completely new experience for • Crusaders and camps with Cassandra Completed two degrees, one in everyone as neither my husband nor Morphew. Secondary Mathematics teaching I had travelled there previously. • Making friends in my year and and the other in Computing Education. Both my husband and I loved Drama at other years through extra-curricular I have taught for over 25 years in Public school and college and we have passed activities. Education. Over that time I have been this on to our children who love to heavily involved in the development perform. CURRENT OCCUPATION: of teaching resources for Computing Mathematics and Computing Studies Studies. Recently I was made a life SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES teacher at Carlingford High School. member of the ICT Educators of NSW. FROM SCHOOL ARE... For a number of years I managed all CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: of the technology at both Balmain High • Drama Club performances in the School and Ryde Secondary College. school hall and Saturday rehearsals. Sydney.

SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… the friendships - I feel lucky to have Professionally, after school I completed enjoyed my school years as much a double degree, graduating with as I did. a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Medical Science. For the past CURRENT OCCUPATION: seven years I have been working as Embryologist. an Embryologist for an IVF company. Combining my interest in science CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: with my passion for helping people Sydney. has proved to be a perfect fit for me. Personally, I have spent my spare time travelling the world - Europe, America, Canada among others. I was married at the end of 2014 and am expecting my first baby soon. Exciting times.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL ARE... KRISTIE I look back at school with only fond memories. You spend the whole time BOYLE wanting to finish school only to graduate and realise how lucky you were to spend CLASS OF 2004 every day with your friends. All the opportunities that PLC provided us girls, the experiences, the sports,

PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA 37 TEGAN MILLER CLASS OF 2006

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CAPTAIN

SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… After leaving school I completed a B. Commerce/ B. Arts at the University of Sydney majoring in International Business, Human Resources, International Relations and Indonesian. I have always had an interest in languages and international relations and this double degree allowed me to study subjects which I was both interested in and opened doors to many different career paths. During my degrees I undertook two international exchanges to the University of Mataram in Indonesia and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) in the USA. Both exchanges allowed me to travel, and study different subjects than the ones offered at USYD. After graduating I started in the Management Consulting graduate program at Deloitte, where I was working with clients in the private and public sector to solve strategic people management issues, undertake workforce planning, and implement change management programs.

After two years at Deloitte, I wanted combines my passion for international but I made so many great friends, to use my Indonesian so I moved to relations and business acumen and and loved going away for regattas Canberra to work at the Department hope to work with PwC in Indonesia and camps… I definitely don’t miss of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). in the not too distant future! the beep test though! At DFAT I worked in the counter- terrorism team, focusing on our 3. The Year 12 common room. Year 12 SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES relationship with Indonesia and the can be pretty stressful at times, but FROM SCHOOL ARE... threat terrorism poses to the South- I remember having some great laughs East Asian region. During this time, I can’t choose one but I’ll limit it to three! in the common room and loved I worked at the Australian Embassy in 1. My exchange to South Africa in having a place to lounge around Jakarta for a short time and continued Year 10. This was one of my first (study) during free periods. to study the Indonesian language. trips overseas, and it was a massive This job then opened the door to eye opener in terms of the cultural CURRENT OCCUPATION: a job at PricewaterhouseCoopers differences between schooling in Management Consultant at (PwC) where I am currently working Australia and South Africa. I grew up PricewaterhouseCoopers, working as a Management Consultant in the a lot in my eight weeks away, but came in the Defence and National Defence and National Security sector, away with many great memories and Security sector. helping clients with their strategic hope to go back to Africa one day! planning and implementation of large- CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: scale organisational transformation 2. Rowing. Rowing took up a lot of programs. I have found a job that time during my high school years, Canberra. ALUMNI

ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2016 Boundary St Croydon NSW 2132 Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519 Email [email protected] www.plc.nsw.edu.au All material appearing in this document is copyright. Reproduction is not permitted unless otherwise authorised

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