PLC SYDNEY BIANNUAL MAGAZINE ISSUE 12: SUMMER 2014

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCIENCE CONFERENCE A SUCCESSFUL SNOW SEASON INTERTWINED EXHIBITION YEAR 12 GRADUATION PARENT SEMINARS DISNEY COMES TO PLC SYDNEY 1 From the Principal 17 Creative writing workshops Connect magazine is printed on Sovereign Offset. It is a FSC certified paper and 2 Outstanding young writer recognised 18 Intertwined exhibition contains fibre sourced only from responsible 3 St Aloysius’ College and PLC Sydney 20 Parent seminars forestry practices and made with elemental chlorine free pulps. Special Concert 21 Pipe Band Tour to Perth 2015 Cover image: Taking a break at the entrance to the 4 International Student Science Conference 22 Rising star on the hockey field Athenian Acropolis in Greece during the Ancient History Tour. 5 SMART Tree project 23 Sleek geeks Editor: Mrs Nicole Paull 6 Living the dream 24 Self-defence day Contributors: Dr Paul Burgis, Ms Carolyn Lain, 7 Disney comes to PLC Sydney 25 Textiles technology students inspired Gwendalyn Dabaja, Ms Fiona Clouston, Emma 8 The end of Year 12 by upcycling trend Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Catherine Taylor, 10 The East Timor story so far 26 The serious business of scientific fun Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Averlie Wang, Madeleine Maloof, Cailin Pascoe, Mrs Fiona Hendriks, 11 Sydney Eisteddfod results 27 Year 2 Camp Claire Protas, Madeline Panos, Isabella Cordaro, 12 Ancient History Tour 28 Year 12 graduation: Giving thanks Leila Bunguric, Sophie Hayman, Mr Adam Bold, Claire Sharman, Ms Jenny Clarke, Mrs Melissa 13 Central Australia Tour 30 Year 12 graduation: Go well class Watters, Mr Andrew Paxton, Mrs Joanna Taylor, of 2014 Emma Bosco, Clare Bosco, Dr Elizabeth Guy, 14 60 seconds with… Mrs Melissa Watters Ms Jo Knight, Mrs Rowena Barnett, 14 60 seconds with… Mr Andrew Paxton 32 ALUMNI: Alumni @ PLC Sydney Mrs Cassandra Morphew, Ms Belinda Harden, 33 ALUMNI: An evening of memories Kaitlin Nobbs, Mrs Annie Martin, Mrs Sarah 15 The writing is on The Wall Waller, Selina Zhang, Irene Magliveras, (class of 1974 Reunion) 16 A successful snow season Elizabeth Kim, Averlie Wang, Jasmine Atkins, 34 ALUMNI: Where are they now? Beatrice Hobson, Ms Jo Hermann, Christina Bouletos, Sophia Law, Ms Katrina Avery, Ms Virginia Rowlands, Mrs Catherine Marvell, Ms Philippa Street, Mrs Carolyn Sanford, Mrs Anne Schroers, Ms Jade Schroers, Ms Rachel Schroers, Ms Alice Schroers, and Ms Lucy Humphrey. PLC Sydney acknowledges the Wangal people, of the Dharug dialect, on whose land the College resides, and pays respect to Above Image: Pre-Kindergarten students add the finishing touches to their KidzArt installation. Elders both past and present. FROM THE Dr Burgis with Year 9 student Madeleine Maloof in China PRINCIPAL for the 10th International Student Science Conference

The Review of the National Curriculum AS YOU LOOK through the articles in this edition you might like to ask yourself what the purpose of education is at PLC Sydney. gives five possible purposes for education: Our trip to China was an example of a project that assisted young women to develop skills in scientific enquiry in a manner that might 1. D eveloping practical skills and grow the Australian economy; the Science Week report and the strengthening the future economy training in our hockey and ski programs are about learning how to learn; the reports on Junior and Senior School writing indicate – utilitarian the personalised nature of learning at PLC Sydney; the Central Australia Tour is about building an understanding of social justice; 2. P reparing students to live in an uncertain and the History Tour and Music reports are on the great joy in finding future – 21st Century learning out about the world and engaging in it. The education debate is really about priorities. We seek to prioritise 3. D eveloping the individual child the third, fourth and fifth purposes, and believe that the first two will – personalised learning result if we do our job well. In this edition you will see evidence of the breadth of programs 4. B ringing about equity and social justice at PLC Sydney, and the high level of engagement with programs – education for social purposes by students. One of the indicators of student flourishing is positive engagement. I see it each day at PLC Sydney. I hope you enjoy 5. E xploring the great breadth of ideas and reading about it in this edition of Connect. skills that exist, appreciating and applying them – liberal humanist

Dr Paul Burgis Executive Principal

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 1 The competition photo used for inspiration (courtesy of BOSTES)

Year 6 student Gwendalyn Dabaja has been presented with a Gold award in the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) ‘WriteOn’ competition. OUTSTANDING YOUNG WRITER Gwendalyn being presented her Gold award RECOGNISED by Mr Tom Alegounarias, President of BOSTES

WRITEON IS AN annual writing competition for NSW students in hopes for them. He carefully put down his binoculars and reached Years 1 to 6. It is designed to encourage young students to develop for his notepad. Interesting, he observed, scribbling in hurried their writing skills in an engaging way. Using a photograph for shorthand. They seem disoriented and forlorn. Almost confused inspiration, students are asked to write a short piece in an imaginative, and without purpose. Once placed in their natural environment, persuasive and/or informative style. they resemble monkeys! Congratulations to Gwendalyn on her outstanding achievement. Reaching for his backpack, Tom felt around for his pocket calculator. It was a risky experiment. With careful aim, he tossed it in the direction Ms Carolyn Lain of his subjects. Pencil and notepad poised precariously in one hand, the Junior School English Coordinator and ESL Teacher other holding his only form of vision, there was an almighty scramble for Here is Gwendalyn’s winning submission. the shiny tactile gadget. There was only one calculator, but two of them. The scramble was ferocious and Tom forgot to maintain his distance, running in order to get a closer look. The whistle hanging around his Tom wasn’t your average twelve-year-old boy. Unlike others his age, neck swung to the rhythm of his run. Stopping abruptly, Tom placed he didn’t care for screen gazing. Knowing his birthday was approaching, the whistle between his lips and blew as loud as he could. he didn’t beg his parents for the latest gadget or game. What he wanted That night, Tom lay in his sleeping bag full of sausages and more than anything was to go camping. contentment. Eyes closed, the words on his notepad floated above Reluctantly, Emily and Joe agreed when their only son made his him as he slipped into slumber. Fascinating day in the wild. They really simple, but horrifying request. Emily ordered her outfits and the cute did not know what to do with themselves! His parents really were lost green tent online. Most importantly, she tried to sound willing when she without technology! casually let it slip at work she was going ‘glamping’, in keeping with her “Mum. Dad. Thank you for a wonderful birthday. But I have to tell you, champagne taste. that when we get home, there are going to be some changes. I think Binoculars raised, Tom peered through the scrub. It took discipline we will start with parking your laptops and phones with me after dinner. to be that still, but it was worth it. What he was witnessing was science It is time for some serious adjustment to your lifestyle.” in motion. The male of the species prowled around aggressively, trying Emily blushed silently in the front passenger seat, secretly making to locate his prey. His desperation was driven by the basic need for plans about playing Candy Crush in the Dentist waiting room where food. The female of the species paced impatiently, waiting for her cub her son could not see her. As Joe slammed the car boot shut, restraining to return. The tension was thick, as the animals became frustrated, the last of the ‘glamping’ items he wondered how his son became the released after being so long in captivity and finally where they were sensible one all of a sudden. meant to be. It would take some adjustment, but Tom had high

2 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE AND PLC SYDNEY SPECIAL CONCERT

In August this year a special event was THIS CONCERT WAS the ‘brain child’ of Ms Monique Curiel (Head of Performance Music) and Mr Tim Chung (Head of Music at St Aloysius’ held in the Audrey Keown Theatre when College) who often perform together with the Australian Brandenburg more than 80 boys from St Aloysius’ Orchestra and Choir. Ms Curiel and Mr Chung organised an amazing College descended upon the school event of combined choral and orchestral pieces. More than150 musicians from both schools were involved in items to perform in a wonderful concert. from South Africa (‘Ukulthula’), Billy Joel (‘And So It Goes’), a Mozart Symphony, some Australian string pieces by Queensland composer Stephen Chin, and to finish the evening all the musicians performed For The Beauty of The Earth by John Rutter and Zadok The Priest by Handel. Thank you to all the girls for performing so well, to the Music Support Group parents for providing the dinner before the concert and to Ms Fiona Clouston, Mr Michael O’Dea, Ms Monique Curiel and Ms Synthia Luo for helping organise and rehearse the music. It was a wonderful event and one that we hope will happen again. Scan the QR code with your digital device or visit the PLC Sydney channel on YouTube to view the performance of Handel's Zadok The Priest.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 3 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCIENCE CONFERENCE From 11 October to 18 October, eight students travelled to Tianjin in China to represent PLC Sydney at the 10th International Student Science Conference, hosted at Tianjin Nankai High School.

DR BURGIS, Mrs Hendriks and Mr Wishart attended two scientific lectures titled The privileged we are as a country after took Emma Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Quantum Touch of Bit and High Temperature struggling with things such as the squat Catherine Taylor, Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Superconductors which gave us an insight toilets and the pollution – features that are Averlie Wang, Madeleine Maloof and Cailin into professional sciences in the world. part of Chinese daily life. Not only did we Pascoe. Countries from around the world learn about Chinese culture, we also learnt During our trip, we developed close such as India, America, Britain, Russia, traditions and new phrases in different friendships with students from around Mexico, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and languages from the various countries the world, and were also able to immerse Australia gave presentations about their that attended this conference. It was ourselves in Chinese culture. We visited scientific ideas relating to current world particularly amusing when we convinced the cultural monuments such as Tiananmen issues suiting the theme ‘Science, international students of Australian legends Square, the Forbidden City and The Emperor’s Creativity, Life’. such as ‘drop bears’. Gardens. Other attractions such as the We presented three projects: the effect Boeing Composites Factory and the Tianjin Our highland dancer Cailin, and our of Xenical on the inhibition of lipase; the Natural History Museum also contributed to bagpipers, Madeleine, Isabelle and Emma effect of greywater on mung bean sprouts; our scientific knowledge of the production were privileged enough to perform Scottish and the SMART Tree project. All three of aircraft materials and of prehistoric fossils. pieces in front of Nankai’s student body, the projects deal with current concerns in our international students and important school We all thoroughly enjoyed visiting the world such as obesity, effective water use leaders as a part of the school’s 110th cultural markets, as we all improved our and climate change. Anniversary celebrations. bargaining skills and bought many souvenirs The standard of the foreign presentations and traditional street food. We were fortunate This conference was an amazing were extremely high, particularly the students enough to visit the Great Wall of China, scientific opportunity – not only did we from Saint Paul’s Co-educational College, where we took hundreds of photos of the share our scientific ideas, but we were Hong Kong; The Doon School, India; and breathtaking views and watched Madeleine also able to learn new ways to deal with Tonbridge School, United Kingdom who play the bagpipes on the seemingly international issues by using the insights produced innovative and creative projects endless steps. from other schools. Overall it was not only an such as stem cell and heart regeneration, educational, but also a rewarding experience. Travelling to China was an eye-opening brain computer interfacing and investigating experience, as we left behind our Emma Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Catherine the effect of halophilic bacteria on the westernised traditions and realised how Taylor, Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Averlie Wang, growth of salt-stressed barley. We also Madeleine Maloof and Cailin Pascoe.

4 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT SMART TREE PROJECT PLC Sydney, PLC Armidale and The Armidale School have taken part in a Science pilot program called the SMART Tree Project. The schools each have a solar powered SAP flow meter on a tree in their school.

THESE METERS MEASURE plant water the tree. The Senior School looked at the use (sap flow). This data can then be internal structure, making xylem and phloem analysed with reference to data obtained cells, root hairs and showed the stomata on on temperature, sunlight, humidity and wind the leaves. Year 8 made glucose, oxygen direction. The schools collaborate by sharing and carbon dioxide and water molecules to data from each of the meters on the trees. explain photosynthesis. Year 9 studied the Over 18 months of data have been collected. reproduction of native plants and made the The data is available for anyone to use on flowers and gum nuts as well as the model the ICT international website solar panel and sap flow meter. They showed http://ictcommunity.org/focus/?page_id=97 the root structure underneath the ground as well. Year 10 made posters showing PLC Sydney has the sap flow meter the indigenous uses of native trees and on a lemon scented gum (Corymbia adaptations of some other native species. citriodara) thought to be planted by our first Photographs of the students making the tree headmaster, Dr Marden. Last year students were included in the presentation in China. in Year 9 studied whether the air pollution caused by the bushfires in October altered Averlie Wang wrote about the project the sap flow. They collected the data on and the conference in a blog at bushfire and non-bushfire days and plotted http://smarttreeproject.blogspot.com.au it using an Excel spreadsheet. They found As there is so much data to analyse, that there was no effect. This year two students in Years 7-10 chose their birthdays students in Year 7 used the data to enter the and used Excel to graph the data for sap NSW Science Teachers Association Young flow, temperature, wind speed and humidity Scientist Competition. The girls attending for that day. The graphs have been displayed the 10th International Science Conference in the MRC. As part of the China conference, in Tianjin, China presented their findings Katie Taylor and Averlie Wang presented and on the trees to the conference. analysed data from both PLC Sydney and The theme for the conference was PLC Armidale. ‘Science Creativity Life’. For the creativity The project has involved collaboration part, the girls involved all students from with the Junior and Senior Schools, Science Years K –10 in producing a model tree which and ICT departments and librarians. ICT is to be found in the Macindoe Research international has supplied the sap flow meter Centre. It rises from the ground floor to the and weather station. In addition, scientists Mezzanine. Librarian, Ms Eileen Shuttleworth from ICT have spoken to staff and students made the outline of the tree. Girls from to aid our understanding of the use of the the Junior School made the leaves, native sap flow meters. mammals, birds and insects that lived in the tree and learnt about the ecology of Mrs Fiona Hendriks Science Teacher

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 5 LIVING THE DREAM As a young girl, Year 11 student Claire Protas knew she wanted to be a singer. Many years later with an EP recorded and available on iTunes, Claire is now living the dream.

THE LIFE OF a PLC Sydney school girl can teaching myself the basic chords I wrote Since then I have been busy writing for be classified as very different, and for me another song. There was something very an album, had radio airplay, have recently I have to say it is very different. But before different about guitar and I loved it just as been to local radio for an interview and kept I begin to explain why my life outside PLC is much as piano. in contact with some exciting people in the different and quite busy, I will start by sharing business. This is currently my life outside Fast forwarding a few months I knew I had a little bit about myself. My name is Claire PLC Sydney. As I mentioned, it can get very written all these songs and I was determined Protas and am currently in my first term of busy at times, but it is something I have to find a way to get them out and into the Year 12! Exciting and scary at the same time. found very worthwhile pursuing because public. So with a demo recording of me if you don’t take up these opportunities you I have always been lucky to know exactly singing and playing piano, I sent it off to any don’t want to ask yourself the question of what I wanted to do when I grew up, and for indie and major label I could think of that “what if”. a little nine-year-old girl to say to her parents accepted submissions. Obviously I did not “I want to be a singer” you can imagine that receive a response, so I then started to beg Claire Protas, Year 11 they thought this would be just a faze that my parents to allow me to start putting my Scan the QR code with your digital almost every other little girl goes through, songs onto YouTube until they finally relented device or visit iTunes (https://itunes. similar to how other young girls might say with a strong warning. After putting my songs apple.com/au/album/wanted/ a princess or something else extravagant. on YouTube and doing YouTube for a while, I id859041359?i=859041403) to listen For me however, the idea just stuck and began to receive some views and feedback. to and/or purchase Claire’s music. has never left. I also uploaded my (very bad sounding) recordings of songs to any platform where I had always done piano lessons and loved I knew I could be heard. to perform at any given moment. I also used to keep a journal and write down anything Then one day out of the blue I got an that I was feeling so I wouldn’t forget. When email from this guy who claimed to be I was in about Year 6 I decided to venture an A&R person (the person who finds and into songwriting. I realised I had so many nurtures new talent) from an independent journal entries and I knew how to play piano, production company who wanted me to so one afternoon I sat down at my piano and independently write and record with them started to write. Looking back at that song and organise a meeting. My mum and I it is definitely not the best song I have ever showed up to the meeting and before I knew written, however it was a start and I was it I was in the studio writing and recording hooked. A couple of years later I received my own three track EP. The whole my first guitar for my birthday and after experience was so rewarding.

6 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT DISNEY COMES TO PLC SYDNEY Year 5 students were fortunate to receive a visit from scholarship to The McDonald College. Teigan is the newest member of the Saturday Disney the Saturday Disney TV show presenters and producer, team. She was lucky enough to be given the including our very own Teigan Nash. opportunity to interview R5 in Hawaii. Fans of Teen Beach Movie and Austin and Ally would AS AN EX-STUDENT of PLC Sydney, member to join the existing team. Candice know Ross Lynch from R5. Teigan was excited to visit her old school and shared a number of things, but there were At the conclusion of this wonderful together with her co-presenters Candice and two things in particular that I took from incursion, we were given the opportunity Nathan, spoke about their experiences in the her speech: to ask questions and the trio gave us each entertainment industry and gave some great 1. If you are rejected from something you a signed photograph and a ruler which we will advice for those considering this career path. really want, ask for feedback. You take keep as mementos of this exciting occasion. Madeline Panos and Isabella Cordaro this feedback as a gift and use it to Madeline Panos share their reports from the incursion. improve; and 2. If you're wearing pants, don't sit on grass During the Saturday Disney incursion, Year just before an exam or you might end Candice, Nathan and Teigan came to visit 5 were fortunate enough to hear from Teigan up with ten itchy bull ants in your pants! Year 5 on Wednesday 3 September. If you Nash, Nathan Morgan and Candice Dixon. Wise Words! watch Channel 7, then you would have seen They are the Saturday Disney TV presenters. this celebrity presenting trio. They are the Nathan shared his story next. To our Year 5 were truly fascinated to hear about hosts of Saturday Disney! surprise, he was an ex-model. He showed how they each came to be a Saturday Disney us a short interview between the cast of The Saturday Disney team, along with their presenter. We had the privilege of seeing the King Kong stage show and himself. producer Rachel came to visit PLC Sydney some behind the scenes, amazing filming Did you know, it takes 30 people to move to teach us about behind the scenes of the locations and even some interviews of them King Kong? I also didn't know that Nathan Performing Arts and Entertainment industry with celebrities. and to give some insight into what it is like was the first lay person to be asked to move working on a television show. King Kong, an honour indeed. Each girl was able to go home with signed fan cards from each presenter and a special Last, but not least, it was Teigan's turn. Candice shared her story first. Candice Saturday Disney ruler. This was a fun and Personally, Teigan was my favourite because and Tegan auditioned for Saturday Disney exciting incursion that inspired lots of girls she too came to PLC. She recalled some at the same time. Candice was selected over in our year. Teigan because she was a natural blonde fond memories she had of PLC. She stayed and they were looking for a blonde cast until Year 10 when she was offered a Isabella Cordaro

Saturday Disney presenters Nathan, Candice (centre) and ex-student Teigan Nash, share their experiences with Year 5 students.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 7 THE END OF YEAR 12 Each year at PLC Sydney has been filled with joy and unity, and now a bittersweet ending. As we entered Year 12, each girl noted that this would be the year of ‘lasts’. With this in mind, every event, moment and situation was embraced and turned into either a hilarious, encouraging or heart-warming memory.

EVERY AFTERNOON SPENT in the arts, public speaking or sport. Our more Students sharing their knowledge, and common room was one full of joy and spirited and youthful side came out during enthusiasm about learning has been an laughter. The comforting smell of popcorn our mufti-day dress ups, our dance at the integral part of coming together as a being shared amongst the girls sitting around Swimming Carnival and more recently year group, and overcoming the adversity doing ‘work’ is one of the parts of Year 12 while filming the infamous ‘muck up video’... which inevitably arises during the HSC I will miss the most. Reflecting on these perhaps on muck up day the school regrets year. Excursions including the Geography afternoons, I realise that the ‘work’ the girls some of the passion, confidence and excursion to the Great Barrier Reef were were doing was more important than any ‘free-spiritedness’ it has helped to develop highlights for the girls. real study we could have been doing at the with its students... The Drama Showcase, Art Express and time. The girls built incredible bonds and House Events, particularly House Choir Productions put on by the students were support systems between friendship groups Night gave the girls an opportunity to not only an opportunity for the cohort to celebrate which kept everyone alive, and ready to dance and sing on a night of competition, and support each other. It was encouraging face the ups and downs of the HSC year. but also strengthen the characteristic unity to see girls visiting the Croydon during their This togetherness, especially visible in our of our cohort. The afternoon where different free time, or giving up a night of ‘study’ to common room is one of the many things houses worked together to complete each commemorate the work of other girls in our I appreciate about our cohort. other’s banners shone light on the girls’ year group. Actions such as these highlight In fact, while writing this very article selflessness and their care and compassion the unanimity our year group has fostered I sat in the common room screaming across for one another. during high school. the chatter and banter: “so... what have we While there may have been a tiny bit In addition to this, many girls have loved about Year 12?” after which I had an of competitiveness leading up to the trials appreciated the incredible relationships overwhelming response. One girl replied: (no sarcastic tone intended...) the study built with their teachers. Our teachers, and “the fact that everyone’s not afraid to be workshops held during particularly stressful administrative staff, have given us support themselves”. The College has definitely assessment times has contributed to the beyond the classroom this year and have built a confidence within each of us, as we healthy study environment we have shared. inspired us to keep working beyond points developed skills and passions in either the

8 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT of fatigue. Teachers, we are grateful for all that you have done for us. The sense of unity has spread beyond the common room, and the schooling campus and even into our homes. The Mother Daughter High Tea event brought the most inspirational women in our lives to a very classy event enjoyed by all the girls and their mothers. The Father Daughter Dinner, was another special event. We will never forget the very ‘hip and trendy’ (or rather embarrassing) dance moves of our Dads on that occasion. Reflecting on the events of Year 12 brought happiness to us, as we sat around eating popcorn in the common room. The process of reflection is bittersweet, as we realise that our time at PLC has come to an end. There is, however, beauty in the ‘bittersweet’ nature of the ending. The very fact that there is some sadness associated with this closure shows that we have enjoyed our time at PLC, and have appreciated everything our schooling has given to us, particularly the friendships and memories we have built along the way. The sweetness of this ending is that while we may be leaving PLC, these memories and friendships will remain with us for hopefully, a very long time. Leila Bunguric, 2014 School Captain Photos courtesy of Sophie Hayman

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 9 THE EAST TIMOR STORY SO FAR The establishment of the two PLC Sydney kindergartens in the suburbs of Dili reflected the hope of the East Timorese people that education was the best way of improving the lives of the new generation.

WHEN ASKED BY former PLC Sydney Principal Dr Bill McKeith, only reinforced to me “how can we help?” the East Timorese Presbyterian Church responded why PLC Sydney runs with 'education, education, education'. such a comprehensive service learning So it was decided to build and resource two kindergartens. Within program. Not only does PLC make a difference to the lives of children a year the classrooms were home to over 100 small children and six in East Timor and Vietnam, it also teachers our girls the true meaning hard working teachers. The kindergartens boasted electricity, lighting, of service, gratitude and the value of hard work. TVs and a variety of teaching resources. A promising start to PLC Sydney’s ongoing commitment to continue to fund their operation. Fast forward to 2014. Yet another visit to East Timor by Year 10 girls completed more work on the kindergartens. Money raised Anyone who has worked in developing countries knows it is never here at PLC has seen the two kindergartens expand. At Comoro that easy. And so when growing political tension broke out into full Kindergarten, another classroom built in the previous year is being blown violence in 2006 our two kindergartens did not come through used. Now there are over 120 children at this kindergarten alone. unscathed. Despite the brave efforts by a Principal from one of the Keen to help themselves, the teachers have banded together kindergartens, rioters looted the classrooms of anything of value. and now use the classrooms for a growing primary school. What was left was a concrete shell. It took another six months More expansion is also planned. for them to reopen and start teaching again. At Becorra a new classroom was completed last month. And so In 2009, with increasing stability it was decided that PLC should look it was that I was asked by Dr Burgis to represent PLC Sydney at the possibility of allowing our girls to return to the kindergartens. at the opening of the new classroom. A few speeches, a student While the travel warning by the Australian government prevented performance and a cutting of a ribbon later, the kindergarten students going that year, I along with Mr Phil Brewer visited the is now ready to expand to over 100 children. kindergartens. What we found was both disheartening and uplifting. The classrooms were dirty, there was no electricity and few resources Today there are almost double the amount of children and remained. But we did find six dedicated teachers and over 100 small classrooms, all with electricity, lighting and fans. The kindergartens smiling faces ready to learn. have also been stocked with computer equipment and stationery. And the original six teachers has increased to nine. It would seem When the Australian government dropped its travel warning later that the joint vision of PLC Sydney and the East Timorese Church that year, I prepared for the first visit by PLC Sydney girls. And so is being realised. And the future is education, education, education. on a winter’s day in 2010, seven Year 10 girls, their Year Director Rowena Barnett and myself set off for Dili via Brisbane and Darwin. Mr Adam Bold What awaited the girls was a lot of hard work, but one of the most Social Science Teacher heartfelt welcomes they will ever experience. Teaching and working in the kindergartens proved to be one of the best experiences these girls have been involved with at PLC. What I experienced

10 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT CONTINUING ON FROM winning results in 2012 (Senior Chamber Orchestra) and 2013 (Chamber Choir) our clever girls in both Hamilton SYDNEY Strings and Senior Chamber Orchestra have done it again. This year both groups entered the Sydney Eisteddfod and won their respective sections. EISTEDDFOD The Hamilton Strings girls won the Primary Acoustic section and a cheque for $500, coming in ahead of St Ives North Public School String Orchestra and Trinity Grammar Junior School Vivaldi Strings. RESULTS Our older girls also won their Secondary School Senior String Orchestra section and received another $500 cheque, beating PLC Sydney’s Music program continues Pymble Ladies’ College Strings and Ascham Camerata. These are fabulous results and are testament to the hard work of the to reap excellent results in the City of girls and their teachers. Thank you to Mr O’Dea and Ms Curiel for their Sydney Eisteddfod competitions. excellent tuition of these groups over many months. Congratulations also to the girls in the Years 9–10 Piano Trio – Alison Chen (piano), Isabella Zhu (violin) and Nicole Sung (cello) under the guidance of Mr Andrew Basile who came third in a School Chamber Music (19/u) eisteddfod competition. Competing against many other schools with high calibre performances, our girls gained third place and a cheque for $100. Well done girls. Ms Fiona Clouston Head of Music and Choirs

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 11 ANCIENT HISTORY TOUR

During the Term 3 holidays, a group of 20 girls from Years 9, 10 and 11 embarked on the Ancient History Tour to Greece and Italy.

EACH DAY WE were immersed in new and exciting experiences. We visited many ancient sites over our 12-day trip, including Mycenae, the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Greece and Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Colosseum in Rome. Our journey started in Thessaloniki, Greece. Here, we marveled at the architecture of churches of the Byzantine era of Orthodox Christianity and spent time exploring the port city and its rich history of occupation. Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum gave the Years 9 and 10 girls a taste of Ancient Greece, a heavy focus of the We made our way to Athens, where we visited the National senior Ancient History course. Our time in Thessaloniki was a great Archaeological Museum. Our guide explained to us the history behind introduction to the many awe-inspiring sights we were yet to see. a wealth of artefacts from different periods of occupation in Ancient We travelled to Vergina, where we saw the tombs of the family of Greek history. The day ended fittingly with an exploration of the Alexander the Great and a collection of exquisite artefacts buried with remarkable ancient site of the Agora and the Acropolis, where the the royal dynasty. Our guide gave us invaluable insight into the period Parthenon is situated. in which the family of Alexander the Great lived. A special highlight A short plane flight found us in Rome. Guided tours of the ancient of this visit was the near-perfectly preserved tomb of Philip II. This was sites of both Pompeii and Herculaneum were outstanding and without particularly beneficial for the Year 11 Ancient History students who will a doubt one of the highlights of the tour. It was simply incredible to be be studying Alexander the Great in their HSC year. walking where the Romans had walked over 2000 years ago. A study Mycenae was truly amazing. This site was a highlight for the of these sites forms the core topic of the HSC Ancient History course. Year 11 girls. Having thoroughly enjoyed studying the German The girls all enjoyed a day of relaxation, exploring Sorrento and archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann and his excavations at Mycenae, doing plenty of shopping on the beautiful island of Capri, before our this visit enabled the girls to consolidate their knowledge. It also final archaeological destination of the tour. A visit to the Colosseum, provided a great foundation for the Years 9 and 10 students who the largest amphitheatre in the world, with its spectacular ancient will be studying Ancient History in years to come. architecture, ensured the tour ended on a high note. At the site of Epidaurus, we were captivated by the oldest and best I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Mella for taking preserved Greek theatre of the ancient world. Our guide showed us her own time over 18 months to organise such a fantastic, rewarding how to test the acoustics and we were astounded by what we heard. tour. I would also like to thank Ms Obsorn and Mrs Waller for Again, after studying Greek drama, the group were excited by the accompanying us on our travels. opportunity to see first-hand what they had read about in textbooks. Claire Sharman, Year 11

12 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT CENTRAL AUSTRALIA TOUR Eighteen students from Years 9 and 11, plus two staff, spent a greater insight into and respect for Aboriginal culture and its people. Girls and seven days during the first week of the June/July school staff alike returned home better informed, holidays experiencing the wonders of Central Australia and more aware of issues facing Aboriginal people and appreciative of the luxuries of learning about our First Australian’s amazing culture on the our own lives. PDHPE Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Community This tour will run again in the first week Service Tour. of the 2015 June/July school holidays and is open to any girl moving into Year 9 or Year WE EXPLORED THE popular tourist selling fresh produce. The other garden was 11 in 2015. If you have any initial enquires destinations of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings the fruit tree garden in Lilla. With our efforts, please contact Ms Jenny Clarke on Canyon. Our local Aboriginal guide, Keith, those fruit trees will soon bear fruit that will [email protected] or 9704 5645. gave us an amazing insight into the local provide the people of Lilla with much sort Ms Jenny Clarke Aboriginal culture, with stories about the after fresh produce. PDHPE Teacher connection Aboriginal people have with All round, this trip was a once in a lifetime these areas and the importance of these opportunity to experience all the wonders areas to the local Aboriginal communities Image below: Nicola Saclley (left) and Georgina of this fabulous country, and to gain Ryan with a local boy at Kings Canyon We were privileged to spend four days in a small, remote aboriginal community called Lilla. Our guides provided further insight for us into the life and culture of the local Aboriginal people, both in the past and the present. The local women helped us learn dot painting, taught the girls how to make jewellery from native nuts and seeds and sat around the camp fire at night sharing the experience with us. The girls also had the unique opportunity to form genuine bonds with local Aboriginal children – playing self-inspired and initiated made-up games in every free moment. A highlight of the tour for everyone. While at Lilla, we also participated in some valuable community service. This included tidying up two local gardens. One garden will be used to support the local community with fresh fruit and vegetables, plus provide the community with an income

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 13 60 SECONDS WITH…

Mrs Melissa Watters Mr Andrew Paxton DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL ADELAIDE PERRY GALLERY MANAGER

When and where did you start teaching? When did you start working at PLC I started teaching at Milperra Public School Sydney? in 1986 – I taught a delightful Year 3 class I began working at PLC at the end of 2000 of very energetic students. – the year The Croydon opened – as the Art and Design & Technology Assistant. Have you always been a teacher or have The role of Adelaide Perry Gallery Manager you had other careers as well? was incorporated into my position in 2011. Other than stints at Woolworths and a Ward Clerk at Camperdown Children’s Hospital What do you enjoy most about your role? during my Uni days I have always worked The students and staff at The Croydon as a teacher. are fun to work with. There’s always a new and interesting project around the corner What lead you to a teaching career? that I help out with, whether it’s a resident I always wanted to be a teacher. I even played artist, an industry professional visiting the schools when I was little! Centre or installing a show in the Gallery. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your The teachers at The Croydon are very What has been your greatest challenge role at PLC Sydney? knowledgeable of their subjects across in the classroom? I am really enjoying getting to know the staff the board, as well as each having their own Letting go of classes at the end of and students at PLC Sydney – it is a very speciality within their Visual Arts or Design a year. I always think challenges are warm and welcoming community. I believe fields. I am really fortunate to have worked just opportunities and I have loved the it is a privilege to partner with families in under the guidance of Anita Ellis in the early opportunities to date. the education of their daughters. days at the Gallery – she was a true mentor with such flair and style. What do you find most rewarding about What has been your most memorable working in education? career point to date? What are some of your funniest memories of your time at PLC? Education is a lifelong process that can The preparation and climb to the summit be hard and frustrating at times, but also of Mt Meru in Tanzania with a group of I spend a bit of time working in the incredibly exciting and enriching. Education students from PLC Armidale and the classrooms at The Croydon so I hear various is not just about learning facts, but more School of St Jude. bits and pieces of witty banter between so about learning how to think. Learning students and staff now and then. The girls’ to make good choices. Learning to act What has been your greatest influence? sense of humour is often evident in their artworks – and they can be quite spirited with purpose. God’s love for each of us. It is great to share about being at the Centre. I once found a this in my work. I have been blessed to work with some very little time capsule created by the Class of passionate, amazing educators. Together, we Do you have any interests/hobbies? 2001, cleverly concealed within one of the have been able to build school communities building’s dark recesses. I returned it to its where students absolutely love coming to I enjoy spending time with my family hiding place of course! school. I really enjoy working with young and friends. I like reading, bushwalking, people and supporting them to achieve their and travelling. What is the greatest challenge working best. When you love what you do, it doesn’t in The Croydon? What is your motto(s) in life? really feel like work! Remembering where I last left my keys is the ‘Do unto others as you would have them greatest challenge! do unto you’ and ‘Stay true to yourself’. What is the most rewarding part of your job? It’s good being involved with creating and

14 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL Writing on the wall is becoming a bit of a trend in the Macindoe Senior Library. We are very keen to showcase the excellent work of our students at PLC Sydney, to give everyone the opportunity to be inspired by the creativity of others. NOT ALL WORKS are three dimensional and easily able to be displayed. What better way can there be to show off other student works than by projecting onto a wall, putting the images into a loop for the day? We have installed a data projector into the library ceiling on Level 1 and are projecting art works, creative writing, book reviews and anything that providing a space that’s accessible to students may wish to contribute to be shown on The Wall. students and conducive to experimentation and exploring. It’s rewarding to notice many To make life even more comfortable for the audience of The Wall, we have students feeling at home and enjoying placed two really comfortable leather sofas nearby so students can sink into classes at The Croydon, as well as making their depths and enjoy the visual parade. use of the Centre at lunchtimes and Who knows what you may see from day to day but it is sure to after school. be interesting! Do you have a most memorable career Mrs Joanna Taylor point to date? Director of Information Services We were lucky to have Jenny Sages judge the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing in 2012. She’s a highly regarded painter and much-loved figure in the art world. Jenny opened the finalists’ exhibition that year and after the speeches I noticed many of the artists in the crowd begin to queue to have the chance to meet and speak with her. It was great to see the Gallery functioning in that way for up-and-coming artists. Jenny later invited Curator Jo Knight and myself for afternoon tea at her home studio in Bellevue Hill which included an exclusive preview of her Archibald Prize entry that year.

Who has been your greatest influence? My family: my parents and three sisters.

Do you have any interests/hobbies? At home I enjoy reading, cooking and the odd attempt at DIY home improvements. I also paint and draw albeit sporadically, so I have recently set up a small art studio which will hopefully encourage a bit more continuity. I also try and see what’s on offer at galleries and auction houses in and around Sydney.

What is your motto(s) in life? ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and ‘We’re all in this together’.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 15 A SUCCESSFUL SNOW SEASON PLC Sydney is well placed At Regionals the Division 4 team won DIVISION 4 TEAM all three events: Skier Cross; Alpine; and Imogen Howell (Year 5) for a strong start to the 2015 Moguls. We also had some great individual Jacinta Macaluso (Year 5) snow sports competitions results: Kate Stirton finished third in Skier Cross; in Moguls I came second; and Georgia Talia Skuse (Year 5) next year following a Coote came third. Emma Bosco (Year 6) successful season this year. At the State Championships, we again Kate Stirton (Year 6) Junior School students won Moguls and came third in Skier Cross. Georgia Coote (Year 6) I won moguls as an individual. We also skied Layla Nazha (Year 6) Emma and Clare Bosco Cross Country at the State Competition. Isabella Maraldo (Year 6) share their experiences The A Team came second in the Freestyle from the 2014 season. and the Relay. The B team also had two top Giselle Gurr (Year 6) six finishes; this was an amazing result as Louisa Cusumano (Year 6) none of the girls had ever competed in THE 2014 SNOW season was a successful Cross Country before. IT HAS BEEN a successful season at the snow this year for the Division 5 skiers. one for my teammates and I. Before the At the 2014 Australian National At the Regional competition it was great to season, we participated in roller-ski training Championships, the ‘Grand Finale’ of the have a team for Alpine, two for Skier Cross with ex-student Lucy Glanville on Monday season, we put on a great show. The Moguls and one for Cross Country. afternoons and acrobatic training on team even won! The Cross Country team Wednesday mornings with Miss Johnston finished with two third places. I was excited The Cross Country team made it to the before school. During the season we drove to win the gold medal in Moguls, Layla Nazha National competition with a second at State for six hours to and from the snow every also achieved a top ten in Alpine. as a team. We couldn’t have made it without weekend and took many weeks off school. the help of Lucy Glanville, an Olympian and The Division 4 team had a brilliant season Despite the time off school, we still had ex-student of PLC Sydney. We were very and a lot of fun, we hope to have another to complete most of the work, in two days lucky to have her as our coach. The Cross excellent season next year. A big thank you instead of five. It was hard work, but I still Country teams trained dry land and on snow to Miss Johnston; without her this would not had a lot of fun and received some for most of the year. excellent results. have been possible. I will be in Division 4 next year and I am Emma Bosco, Year 6 looking forward to having strong teams in Division 4 and 5. Clare Bosco, Year 4

DIVISION 5 TEAM Alessandra Sydun-West (Year 2) Dominique de Souza (Year 3) Christian Cusumano (Year 3) Georgia Macdessi (Year 4) Clare Bosco (Year 4)

Students from the Division 4 and 5 teams taking a well deserved break at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships. Top image Clare Bosco competing in the Blue Cow Cup

16 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

All Year 12 students at PLC Sydney, THE HIGHEST MARKS always go to stories which are simple in structure, but sophisticated in language. The workshops helped the undertook creative writing workshops prior girls to understand and practise what was expected. We are fortunate to the HSC, with their class teachers and that Ms Fiona Ryan-Clark has joined our department as she is a Ms Fiona Ryan-Clark, an English teacher published short-story writer and former journalist and speech-writer. Working on the Area of Study unit where all Advanced and Standard who is new to the College this year, English students must write an imaginative writing piece as part of whose passion is creative writing. a two-hour exam, the girls learnt techniques including how to prepare premises and back-story so they maximise their marks no matter what the question. The first workshop focused on exam strategy and adapting the rubric to ensure the creative writing piece was conceptually sound as well as had the elements of a good story. The second workshop helped the students to hone their writing skills and the final workshop examined advance writing and structural issues. Ms Ryan-Clark has also worked with the Extension 1 classes in delivering a specialist course for creative writing in Romanticism. In this course, the students must write a longer creative writing story and it accounts for half of the unit’s marks. The Extension 1 course is complex, in part because of the nuances the students must include in their story about the ways people in the Romanticism era thought, and in part because the way we tell stories now has changed so much from how they were told from 1750 to 1850. Creative writing scaffolds are up on Enable for Years 7–12. Workshops and resources are explicitly taught in all classes. Dr Elizabeth Guy Head of English

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 17 INTERTWINED: CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE IN INDIGENOUS ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION

The Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags THIS WONDERFUL EXHIBITION showcased contemporary works in glass, now hang proudly at the Hennessy Street entrance of textiles, illustration and assemblage by ‘The Croydon’ Centre for Art, Design and Technology Bronwyn Bancroft, Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Lola Greeno, where the Adelaide Perry Gallery was delighted to present Lucy Simpson and Tjanpi Desert Weavers. works by acclaimed Indigenous women in Intertwined: Many of the diverse works were informed Contemporary practice in indigenous art and design by craft-based traditions of the past or continue the practices of Elders which between October 8–17 this year. might otherwise be lost. However, they are distinctively contemporary through innovative use of materials and responses to our modern world. The traditional functionality of objects once created for ceremony and daily life are transformed into works of new forms of aesthetic refinement whilst still maintaining the presence of traditions and beliefs. Wearable, illustrative and homeware product designs represented stories of family and connections with culture in ways that show the strength of personal and social histories associated with country and community. These proud Aboriginal women powerfully express their individual associations with their cultural identity and spirituality in ways that challenge perceptions on Aboriginal art today including defying the distinctions between fine art, craft and design. The exhibition was officially opened by PLC Sydney alumni and National Indigenous TV (NITV) presenter on Around the Traps, Mrs Mayrah Sonter. Mrs Sonter is a proud Wiradjuri woman who graduated from the College in 2001. She has since maintained an active association with staff and students through PLC Sydney’s Indigenous Program. At the opening, Mrs Sonter spoke of her experiences of school life, particularly her study of Visual Arts with the late

Left: Mrs Mayrah Sonter and Cassie Sing at the opening of Intertwined

18 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT Ms Anita Ellis. On behalf of the College, Lucy Rowse (left) and South African exchange student Gabriella Topat, admiring glass works Miss Cassie Sing from Year 10 made a by Jenni Kemarre Martiniello. presentation to Mrs Sonter in gratitude, for her participation at the event. We must always they participate, share and grow within Each of the women represented in our College. We seek to support and Intertwined have created unique and remember that under encourage each student to make full inspiring works to enjoy and each continue the concrete and asphalt, use of the opportunities available to her to participate actively in sharing their at our school so that she can contribute knowledge and expertise through advocacy, this land is, was and to her community fully as a confident, education and mentorship roles. It is this caring and accomplished young woman. sharing of story and culture through works always will be traditional of art and design that aimed to inform and Wangal land. We were delighted to show works inspire our students of PLC Sydney about by strong and proud female role models THE TAPESTRY OF the PLC Sydney the diversity of contemporary Indigenous in this exhibition. We hope that through community is comprised of a richness of practices and of the integrity of strong Intertwined our students will embrace textures and threads which form a unique female role models in the arts. and enrich their understandings about fabric. The contributions of Aboriginal the cultural and creative contributions During the exhibition, Indigenous Art and Torres Strait Islander students, past of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Highlights from the PLC Sydney Collection and present, and their families weave Islander women. were on display in The Croydon including precious golden threads throughout our works by acclaimed artists Gloria Petyarre, community. As we gather and intertwine Mrs Rowena Barnett Michael Nelson Jagamara, Danie Mellor stories and traditions, we add vital layers Indigenous Support Coordinator and a painting by Nancy Martin Napangardi of understanding and move towards donated by Mrs Sonter in 2008. deeper reconciliation. The Adelaide Perry Gallery will continue The Indigenous Program at PLC to showcase works by Indigenous artists and Sydney aims to celebrate and nurture designers in the future as these insightful the heritage of each of our Aboriginal creative expressions are among the most and Torres Strait Islander students as significant coming out of Australia today. Ms Jo Knight Curator, Adelaide Perry Gallery

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 19 PARENT SEMINARS Our program of parent seminars has been a joint initiative of chaplaincy and well-being at PLC Sydney. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR we offer our students in Years 7–12 a range of opportunities to hear expert speakers, and to consider issues that impact on their everyday lives at school and beyond. We are also very much aware that parents confront many of the same issues, but from a different Professor Simon Conway Morris delivered the 2014 Pamela Nutt vantage point. This year we have increased Address in the Audrey Keown Theatre in August. the number of seminars available to support to help parents and their daughters build families in the rewarding but sometimes Each year the College holds the 'Pamela a strong working relationship to support challenging task of parenting teenagers, Nutt Address'. The purpose of the address and encourage good study habits for the and the result has been a series of helpful, is to take The Bible in one hand and a years ahead. informative and thought provoking prominent text or idea in the other and to discuss related issues. This year eminent evenings together. Paul Dillon will also return to inform and paleobiologist and Christian Professor Simon support families in their understanding of Highlights of this year’s program have Conway Morris from Cambridge University issues surrounding alcohol and drugs in their been presentations from Melinda Tankard discussed belief in God and evolution. It was daughters’ social world. This is an excellent Reist, Prue Salter and Paul Dillon, and a a fascinating set of lectures climaxing in his presentation, and Paul will also be speaking very practical session with local police on address at the Chairman's Dinner. His to our senior students during the school day. great tips for running safe parties for our discussion with parents and friends was daughters and their friends. engaging and enlightening. There will be new guest speakers as well – more information will be available soon, All the seminars have helped build a sense What’s ahead in our program for 2015? and we’d love to see you at some or all that we are not alone in the enterprise of Prue Salter will be back with her popular of these great events. wise parenting, that others have the same study skills session for Year 7 students and concerns and questions that we do, that their parents. Year 8 families who missed her Mrs Cassandra Morphew a sense of humour is essential to the task, presentation this year are welcome to attend Director of Chaplaincy and that often simple but practical advice this one as well – it is definitely worthwhile. and Christian Studies can make an enormous difference to the Prue is very keen that the girls attend along way we feel about our role. with Mum or Dad, as the session is designed SAVE THE DATE TERM 1 TERM 3 TERM 4 Positively parenting our daughters Study skills The system – Thriving in the 7.00 pm, Wednesday 11 March 7.00 pm, Tuesday 4 August senior years of school Audrey Keown Theatre Audrey Keown Theatre 7.00 pm, Tuesday 27 October Guest speaker: Colleen Hirst Guest speaker: Prue Salter Audrey Keown Theatre (Christian counsellor) (For Years 7 and 8 students and parents – Guest speaker: Dr Andrew Fuller really important that the girls come as well!) (Years 10 and 11 students and parents TERM 2 – again, really important for the girls to Drug and alcohol awareness come as well. Dr Fuller will also present Being a Dad: We’re all making it for parents up as we go sessions for Years 7–9 students during 7.00 pm, Tuesday 18 August the day, and for staff after school.) 7.00 pm, Tuesday 2 June Audrey Keown Theatre Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Paul Dillon Guest speaker: Al Stewart Paul will also present sessions for Years 10, 11 and 12 during the school day.

20 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT PIPE BAND TOUR TO PERTH 2015

In April 2015 members of the PLC Sydney Pipes and Drums will be travelling to Perth to help celebrate the centenary of PLC Perth. THE GROUP WILL join other Pipe Bands from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore as they all celebrate the occasion together. Over the Easter weekend PLC Sydney Pipes and Drums will also be involved in the Australian All Schools Pipe Band Championships and will attend the Western Australian Pipe Band Championships in Perth on the Easter Monday. The group will also visit the Western Australian Police Pipe Band and learn from an ‘A’ Grade band. For this tour the group is indebted to the PLC Sydney Foundation who has helped sponsor travel arrangements. This is the second time the band has travelled and performed as a group, having done so on a recent tour to Melbourne in 2011. We wish the group well.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 21 RISING STAR ON THE HOCKEY

FIELD Kaitlin in action for the NSW Women's Open team in the Australian Hockey League Kaitlin Nobbs came to PLC In 2014, Kaitlin represented NSW in How does the Talented Individual the Under 18, Under 21 and NSW Open Program (TIP) help you? Sydney in Term 3 2012... (Arrows) team. At 17, she is the youngest It is extremely helpful for me when I go away all the way from Perth. player in this team. Both the Under 21 with hockey trips, my teachers are all notified Her talent for hockey was and the Arrows teams won the Australian on my behalf and I am allowed extra time Championships. or extra help if I need it. evident from the start. Hockey Australia announced Kaitlin in What do you like to do to when you HOWEVER, IT IS her passion for hockey its 2014/2015 Women’s Futures group, are not competing/training or doing and her intrinsic desire for excellence that this contains 30 talented young athletes that school work? have been identified as potential international sets her apart. Her professional approach I like to read a lot, or go to the beach and athletes of the future. This is the second on and off the field is exemplary. read. Although I do like going down to the time Kaitlin has been named in this team. hockey field and just play around with my Kaitlin’s list of achievements is In 2013 Kaitlin represented Australia in a friends and have fun. extraordinary. In the school pathway, Kaitlin four test series against Japan in Canberra is a pivotal player in the PLC Sydney Hockey and in December this year, Kaitlin will again How do you keep in touch with family and Firsts, who took out the top honour in represent Australia in a Tri Series against friends while you are away competing? winning the IGSSA Hockey Grand Final New Zealand and India. ‘premiere division’, SO1 for the third year My mum or dad usually come with me in a row. Kaitlin was selected in the Open Ms Belinda Harden whenever I go away, but we normally call IGSSA team, Open NSW CIS team and was Head of Sport, Senior School each night. named in the 2014 NSW Open All Schools What do you think has been your biggest Merit team. In 2013, Kaitlin was selected in sporting achievement so far? the NSW and Australian School Girls Teams. Q&A WITH KAITLIN My biggest achievement so far has been At club level, Kaitlin was a key player for Kaitlin, how old were you when you being called up to participate in the Briars Hockey Club in the Sydney Women’s started playing hockey and how did Australian Hockey League for the NSW Hockey League (SWHL) Metro Ladies 1 you get involved? Women’s team and winning a gold medal. team. She was also an integral member I grew up at the hockey centre while my Who has been your biggest influence? of the U17 Metro Division 1 Briars team family played but I started playing when who were Grand Finalists this year. I was about seven in minkey with my cousins. My biggest influence is my mum who was My whole family has played or is playing also a hockey player, and always encourages For the third year in a row, Kaitlin hockey, so I just followed tradition. me to try my best in whatever I endeavour was selected to play in the U17 City v and supports me full-heartedly. Country Competition, winning player of the What are some of the challenges you face tournament in 2013. These teams are made with juggling schoolwork and competing/ What are your future goals? up from the top 16 players in the state. training? My future goals are to become either a paramedic or a nurse (can’t decide) and play Kaitlin’s talent was recognised in 2013 I’m always too tired or I don’t have enough for the Hockeyroos for as long as possible when she was awarded an Emerging Talent time to do my homework or study when I and win a gold medal at the Olympics, just Squad (ETS) scholarship and in 2014 Kaitlin get home after training or from training that like my mum. was awarded a full time NSW Institute of morning. And when I don't have hockey on, Sport (NSWIS) Scholarship. I feel like I need to relax and hang out... so I sometimes don’t do work then either.

22 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT SLEEK GEEKS Eureka! Junior School students had double success in this year’s Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, with two groups being awarded prizes. THE EUREKA SCIENCE Awards are presented annually by the Australian Museum, rewarding excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science communication and journalism and school science. These awards are highly respected in the science world. Run by The University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is awarded for a short film that communicates a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way. There are two categories for this award – primary and secondary. This year PLC Sydney entered four Top image: Rosanna Cartwright (left) and Olivia Stavrakis investigating short films in the Primary School category and two of our groups if ice-cream melts faster than gelato in Melting Moments were honoured to be awarded ‘highly commended’. There is a winner, Bottom image: Eliza Martin (left) and Gwendalyn Dabaja decoding the secrets a runner up and six highly commended awards in this national of the universe in CSI - Creative Scientific Investigators competition, and the College is thrilled that our girls have been able to take out two of the eight awards. Well done to Rosanna Cartwright and Olivia Stavrakis (Year 3) for their video Melting Moments, and Gwendalyn Dabaja and Eliza Martin (Year 6) for their video CSI – Creative Scientific Investigators. The videos can be viewed at http://australianmuseum.net. au/2014-Sleek-Geeks-Science-Eureka-Prize-finalists Congratulations to the girls and their teachers on this wonderful achievement. Mrs Annie Martin Junior School Science Coordinator

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 23 SELF-DEFENCE DAY On Wednesday 10 September Year 10 students participated in an all-day self-defence seminar conducted by Brent Sanders.

COMING FROM AN extensive background Some comments from the day include: It was interesting, engaging and presented in policing, Brent presented a program suitably in a manner that was realistic but Women should know how to use focusing on self-motivation, assertiveness not too confronting. self-defence in an emergency, the and conflict psychology. The girls were Averlie Wang movements are easy and useful. taught to practise safe behaviours in addition to learning some practical Selina Zhang Personally I found the man who led the self-defence moves. day to be entertaining and engaging – he I found that self-defence day has given got us to listen to the important information Brent's focus is not on physical strength me more confidence in defending and by making jokes and treating us like adults. or martial arts training, but rather the ability protecting myself. Brent was easy to I think the day was very beneficial and the to stay calm, focused and convert fear into understand, take knowledge and valuable moves we learnt were simple but important. a winning strategy. information from. It wasn't a day only to let Overall I enjoyed the experience and I think us know of all the dangers to look out for, many people will benefit from what we Mrs Sarah Waller but how to protect and escape from the learned. Head of Year 10 situations if they were to occur. Jasmine Atkins Irene Magliveras The day was very entertaining and relatable I really liked how he approached us with to people our age. We learnt very effective humour, it was like he knew us well enough strategies for handling situations. I also to truly allow us to absorb the information think it was very interesting and memorable and apply it as we were all very engaged in and I will be able to apply things learnt here the talk. He also empowered us with many in the future if needed. anecdotes, and I feel confident now that Beatrice Hobson I have learnt some physical defence moves. Elizabeth Kim

24 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS INSPIRED BY UPCYCLING TREND

Year 9 Textiles Technology “It was exciting to try to capture Sass & Bide's “Drawing inspiration from Sass & Bide formed contemporary sophistication in our own a really fun foundation to create our garments, students have been working garments. The design process of transforming which are all a reflection of our own personal enthusiastically to design an image or a thought into a tangible piece of style with a trace of the original design icons.” clothing is inspiring, and I am proud of what Sophia Law and create outfits inspired by I have created. Wearing my own design the Australian fashion design reveals the vast potential unlocked by design.” company Sass and Bide. Christina Bouletos THESE CONTEMPORARY OUTFITS were created using a commercial pattern, applying decorative textile techniques and modifying an existing pair of denim jeans or a jacket. Whilst the introduction of laser cutting technology to The Croydon has been used primarily in the development of innovative industrial design products, it is wonderful to see this exploration of opportunities within the textile design field. These creative young designers, supported by their teacher Mrs Wedd, were able to design and create their own fabric pieces, experimenting with the use of positive and negative space. As the laser cutter seals the fabric edges preventing fabric from fraying, it provided students with the opportunity to create appliqués and motifs to suit their inspiration. Different techniques and graphic designs were tested to ensure the appropriate selection of fabrics for a high quality, fashionable outfit. The modification and reuse of an existing denim garment reflects a contemporary trend in upcycling and vintage fashion. Ms Jo Herrmann Head of Technical and Applied Studies

From left: Christina Bouletos, Bridie Oliver, Sophia Law and Ella Fergusson modelling their outfits.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 25 THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF SCIENTIFIC FUN During a wet and windy AT THE SAME TIME, older scientists took explained. The students made elephant’s the journey to Evandale to partner with the toothpaste, baby penguins in the snow and week in August, students budding scientists in Kindergarten. Miss Muffet food. Butter was churned and consumed on fairy bread, water was made from Years 1 to 6 made Months of planning and preparation by to disappear, change colour and seemingly the Senior students was now being put into the long and exciting journey defy gravity. Coloured food dyes danced action. The girls had selected and rehearsed across the surface of milk, coins and marbles to the Science labs in the a Science demonstration that would amaze disappeared and water absorbing chemicals their partner classes from the Junior School. Senior School for the were extracted from the disposable nappies. The Junior girls came prepared with the But always, our scientists both young and serious business of learning essential tools required – lab coats, safety older, were ready with an explanation of glasses, a sense of humour, a desire to learn about Science during why it all happened. Science Week. and teddy bears wearing disposable nappies. It was the serious business of scientific fun The science was often colourful, at PLC Sydney. sometimes surprising but always well

26 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT YEAR 2 CAMP Year 2 spent two wonderful days at Chowder Bay during September. The girls were very excited about sharing cabins with school friends away from home. AS THE COACH pulled away from the school the girls waved to their families with enthusiasm and curiosity about what to expect over the following days. On arrival at Chowder Bay the girls were introduced to their group leaders, who welcomed them and explained the events to follow. Shortly after introductions, the girls boarded a ferry to Cockatoo Island to discover the history of the inner harbour living museum. The sites and adventure of the harbour cruise kept everyone busy. On the island the girls eagerly munched on our packed lunches and were entertained by the seagull chicks. Rain clouds quickly headed towards the girls as they boarded the ferry home and looked forward to the afternoon’s activities on the mainland. The afternoon was spent getting to know other Year 2 students and completing a number of challenging activities such as discovering Clifton Gardens, making kites, playing games and learning songs. As the day drew to a close the girls reflected on their contribution to the day and their ability to spend the night away from their families. The girls were kept busy setting dining tables, unpacking their bags, showering and making up bunk beds. A movie was shared as they bunked down in their sleeping bags before they drifted into a deep sleep in anticipation of the following day. Day two of the camp was busy as they packed and tidied cabins. The rain didn’t dampen the girls’ spirits as they made group banners, kites and played fun games in their various groups. At lunchtime the girls made their own sandwiches and learnt some new chants with our group leaders. As the girls farewelled their group leaders and drove away they reflected on the past two days of adventure and fun. The girls were all very exhausted but excited to share their camp experiences with their families. Ms Katrina Avery Year 2 Teacher

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 27 YEAR 12 GRADUATION GIVING THANKS

Each year a PLC Sydney mum and a PLC DR LIM, DR BURGIS, other special guests, staff, families and our young ladies, Sydney dad are asked to be guest speakers I am honoured to have been asked to give a speech of thanks at the Year 12 Graduation Dinner. Ms Virginia as a PLC ‘mum’. I imagine that every mother present tonight will have Rowlands was asked to do the honours this a host of things to give thanks for as their daughters prepare to step year and she has kindly shared her speech out into the world, so I do hope that I can speak on behalf of you all. In order to encapsulate in one short speech what I am thankful with us here. for, I went back to the beginning and thought of why we enrolled our daughters at PLC. I attended PLC with my older sister, from Year 7 to Year 12. Our mother before us attended Clarendon PLC, a Presbyterian College for girls in Ballarat. For me, there was always that nebulous ‘something’ about the school that I carried with me even when I went through those big green gates for the last time, and I wanted my daughters to experience that ‘something’ too. My first memory of PLC was my first train trip home. Imagine my horror when a gust of wind blew my brand new panama hat off my head. It neatly landed in a muddy puddle on the train tracks. My sister jumped down onto the tracks to retrieve one now sadly bedraggled hat. My mother will kill me, thought I, losing not only my hat but my sister on the first day of school. Thankfully my sister did not get turned into mince meat by an express train, though my mother was not impressed with the state of my hat and refused to replace it, so that sad hat remained with me until (first thing I am thankful for!) the school dispensed with panama hats in around Year 9. The school has fabulous facilities – magnificent grounds, the AKT, the Aquatic Centre, gymnasium, tennis courts, a speech centre, art centre, the transition program, and a top class library complete with a café that I’m told sells lovely brownies that you can take back to the common room and heat up. For the ability to access those facilities I’m sure we are all immensely grateful. Amazing extra-curricular activities – the opportunity for broadening our daughters’ horizons and teaching them compassion and respect for others through activities such as volunteer work, the exchange program, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and educational and cultural overseas tours. School sport gave my daughters the opportunity to engage with girls in years above and below them, to learn new skills and learn how to win and lose (softball games at Pymble, Loretto or Frensham at 8.00 am meaning having to be there at 7.00 am were not something

28 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT Ms Virginia Rowlands speaking at the 2014 Graduation Dinner.

that I was quite so thankful for, but I am immensely grateful that I look back at the year of 77. After our 35 year anniversary the more neither daughter wanted to take up rowing!). techno-savvy of us set up a Facebook group of which many of us are now members. We share heartaches and celebrations in that group. The Music department gives students so many opportunities for The ties to the school are life-long. bands, choirs, orchestras as well as individual performance. And the Drama productions are fabulous, although Mr Friend I have to say I look at the girls in my year. Virtually every walk of life is I have one daughter green with envy over the plans for 2015! represented, secretaries to lawyers, real estate agents to nurses, amazing women juggling career, family, community and self and And the education is first rate, and the staff incredibly dedicated. leading fulfilling and valuable lives. If you read the Ex-Students' Union I’m sure I’ve omitted many features of this wonderful school, and newsletter, and I trust you young ladies will, you will see that this was for that I apologise. not some fluke, something in the water back in 1977. The women who went before us, and the women who came after us, have all developed But on the top of my list is the pastoral support that PLC has lent into confident, caring, accomplished women. to my family, which has been second to none. Our family has had its share of difficulties, yet each Year Director, right from Year 7, the staff That is what I wanted for my daughters and as Olivia is about to and the school counsellors, have watched over, steered and clearly head out of those big green gates for the last time as a student, I am loved our daughters, and been there for them at every turn. So to all so thankful to the school, the board, the staff, the parents and to the of you, some of whom are here tonight and some who will not be, fellow students, for all pulling together to achieve just that. I give you my personal thanks. While I have the monopoly on the talking stick, may I leave our So having thought about it long and hard, what I came up with, young women a quote from a favourite character of mine, taking and what that ‘nebulous something’ was, is this – I sent my daughters the speaker as your school. to PLC in the hope that the school would partner with us to produce “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is ‘confident, caring, accomplished young women’. something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, To me, this statement, which you’ll all recognise, absolutely hits stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most the nail on the head, and it resonates so much with me because important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” that’s exactly what I got out of my years at PLC, and what I wanted Ms Virginia Rowlands (mother of Olivia Pierson, Year 12) for my daughters.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 29 YEAR 12 GRADUATION GO WELL Members of the class of 2014 with Head of Year 12, Mrs Rowena Barnett. CLASS OF 2014

Mrs Rowena Barnett, Head of Year 12, has shared the highs and lows of the last two years with the class of 2014. In her speech to students and parents at the Graduation Dinner, Mrs Barnett reflected on her time with the girls.

THERE WAS A great sense of excitement and nervousness this months over which they have had no control. Changes that have been evening as the girls stood on the verandah waiting to be presented to challenging and at times difficult to negotiate. However, most of these you. They anticipated the element of risk of walking alone – exposed, wonderful students have maintained perspective, supported each mostly in new shoes, considerably higher than their comfortable other and navigated the waves of change smoothly. school shoes across this smooth floor – would it be a safe journey? This is a testament to you as parents – that you have helped to In a sense that short walk (although for many of them it lasted develop resilience in your daughters and guided them through the a very long time), the stepping out when their name was called is rough waters of change. symbolic of the huge step that they are about to take into the big As I said to the girls this morning: this ability to sail through stormy world outside of school, outside of PLC Sydney. times is a life lesson that is more valuable than any ATAR points. For most of these girls it will be a scary step. It will be a challenge I would also like to acknowledge the excellent leadership that this for many of them as they step out of the familiar and into an unknown year group has had. Leila, Ally, Sarah, Evie and Queenie have taken new phase of their lives. initiative, made some tough decisions and kept the Year 12 boat Girls, I believe that all of you are well equipped to step out into steady and on course through this year. Please join me in thanking this next chapter. PLC has helped you to develop your own strengths, them for all that they have done. determination and confidence. Tonight is a celebration of the end of one stage in your daughters’ One thing that is almost 100 percent certain for this group of girls life journey. Tomorrow we will see them stepping out of the big green is that they will be faced with CHANGE constantly in their lives. gates symbolically. It is a time to move on and spread their wings. It is exciting but can be scary too. This year group has faced quite a few changes in the last 12

30 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT Seventeen years ago when many of these young women were • Some have been locked in hand to hand combat with anxiety and taking their first breaths or taking their first tentative steps and mental illness. embarking on their life’s journey, I took a giant leap which has led to • Others have had to deal with major uprooting shifts in life. their and my life being interconnected and interwoven. Seventeen and a half years ago I made a huge decision with my family and left the • Many of you have had to manage disappointment at some stage warmth and security of my homeland and landed on this continent. and with the fact that life has not presented things quite the way you hoped it would. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done and it required me to muster strength, resolve and determination – and of course to Without exception I have seen remarkable courage demonstrated in embrace a big change. these girls. As you leave the security and predictability of PLC you will I have been humbled and deeply moved as I've watched these experience different emotions. Being uprooted can be painful but battles being fought. I have tried to support from the side lines. But being replanted into another patch will allow you to grow your own I’ve watched in awe as I saw the strength and resilience of so many unique style and personhood further. Now is your time to flourish of these remarkable young women shine through. and to thrive in your own chosen patch. I salute you all. Courage requires one to face off against fear and Allow me to give you one more piece of advice. Bloom wherever I have seen that again and again. you are planted. I have witnessed what it means to support each other. You have Make that decision. Choose to make the most of all of life's come together and overcome hurdles as a group. I've heard some opportunities no matter where you find yourself. of your group talk as you've worked out perspective. Through English re-sits and changes of teachers, you've managed to regroup, support Ladies, I would like to share with your parents tonight some things one another and focus on your goals. I have learnt from you over the last two years. And I thank you for the kindness you have shown me over the last I've learnt about some stress relieving strategies: few days. • When in doubt, dress up, put on music and dance. As a year group Tomorrow when you symbolically take leave of one another, it will you have pulled together and had some good parties in the be bittersweet, but know that you have a rich garden of girls blooming science amphitheatre. around you. I am confident that you will flourish and bloom in all your In fact the very first time I was with you as a year group was at unique colours and shapes in the future no matter where you find a party. It was the Year 10 Formal. Goodness me – how you have yourselves. moved on from those excited and, for some, terrified young women I look forward to hearing about how your journey’s progress and nervously walking onto that boat with your partner for the night. When of your achievements in the future. I am quite certain that many of I look across the room tonight I see self-assured young women – so you will take what you have gained here and put it to good use in different from those Year 10s. your communities to make a difference there. The second stress relieving strategy that I've learnt is: So, wonderful girls of 2014, as you continue on your journey • Bring food! through life, stop and admire the view from the hilltops of your successes and when times get tough and you feel like you are And the HSC seems to result in some very strange dietary options: in the valleys of life, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of • I've learnt that chips from MacDonald’s apparently taste best when the other and keep walking. dipped in soft serve ice cream first. Thank you Year 12 – go well or as they say in Zulu ‘hambani kahle’. • I've learnt that microwaving popcorn with maltezers is Mrs Rowena Barnett a real winner. Head of Year 12 • That melting your birthday caramello koala chocolate is a good way of prolonging its enjoyment. • And that as a last resort, dry cornflakes in your coffee mug will get you through an early morning class. I’ve also learnt that Ryan Gosling can be very inspirational – his wisdom held a central space in the Year 12 Common Room this year. But on a more serious note, I've learnt a lot about courage from this incredible group of girls. Early in the year I quoted Socrates to you: “Be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Some of the young women in this room tonight have fought and are still fighting the toughest of battles: • Some of them have fought life and death battles, some have watched others close to them fighting such battles.

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 31 ALUMNI will bepartoftheworldorschool’s history. happened atschool thatwhenyoureturn there willbe.There willbethingsthathave imagine thattherecouldbemore tooffer but offer thattheydonotcurrently?Itishardto at asocialevent.What willPLC Sydney are anAlumniandvisittheschool orgather the artworkstouraswell. friends. They enjoythemorningteaafter event ispopularforallAlumniandtheir tour oftheArchibald Exhibition.This annual before openinghoursforaprivateguided Thompson Hall. The 1974 leaversdidn’tevenhave or Performing ArtsCentreorlargerMRC. The 2004leaversdidnothave the‘new’pool, through thegreengatessincetheyleft? that someoftheseladieshadnotbeenback and1974 1984 1994, leavers.Doyouknow yearsagorespectively.and 40 students whohavelefttheschool 10,20,30 event thattheCollegeputsonforthose One oftheseeventsmaybetheAlumni attend variouseventsthroughouttheyear. College, findoutwhat’shappeningand opportunity toremainintouch withthe BEING AN ALUMNI Ex-Students’ Union. to of amember the become givenalso the opportunity are Alumni leaves. These Alumniwill an she be when currentlyis at the College Alumni? Any student who isaPLCWho Sydney ALUMNI @ PLC SYDNEY 32 We wonderwhatyouwillthinkwhen Each yearanothergroupofAlumnimeet This yearweheldeventsforthe 2004, PLC SYDNEY SYDNEY PLC | givesyouthe CONNECT

Services.” silence, beforetheysetofftoattendSunday required towalkaroundtheovalintotal School classrooms.” off givingdirectaccesstothePrimary Arts CentreandTheatre.MetaStreetclosed and longjump,replacedbythePerforming 1987 byThompsonHall.Theathletictrack the musicandstaffroomswerereplacedin of publisherRandolfHearst,waskidnapped.” year, Patty Hearstthe19-year-olddaughter conservative rule and in 1974, our final school Whitlam waselectedPMafter23yearsof our schoolcertificateexamsin1972,Gough first manwalked onthemoon. We completed Street andenteredhighschoolin1969,the arrived inVietnam.WhenwecrossedMeta primary schoolatCroydon,UScombattroops these few snippets: “And theboardersrecounthowtheywere “Since welefttheCollege,PickardHouse, “In 1965whenwewerestartingatthenew From a1974 AlumniReunionwegathered

Archibald Exhibition. and JaneSmith(neéSimpson)1973 atthe Bottom image:Pamela McLean (neéCull)1971 Art GalleryofNSW. Henderson)1958 attheArchibald Exhibition, Mitchell (neéDavies)1956and HeatherHall(neé Top image:RosemaryFerguson, Margaret Director ofEnrolments Mrs CatherineMarvell these withothersisalwaysenjoyable. at school aresomeofthebestandsharing Union memberandstayintouch. Your times Be a proud Alumni and Ex-Students' Be aproudAlumniandEx-Students' – 22August2015 Class of1975 Reunion – 23May2015 Reunion Class of1985 – 28February 2015 Reunion Class of1995 – 7February 2015 Reunion Class of2005 SAVE DATE THE

the college. It is, after all, 40 years sincewe the college.Itis, after all,40 this mightbethe lastreuniontobeheldat of PLC Sydney. It’saspecialtour, weknow us formanyreasons. a lifetime awaybutthisreunionimportantto from demandinglives,ourschool daysalmost Perth, Canberra,sparingtimeout Melbourne, of ushavetravelledconsiderabledistances; as ourmemoriesareindeedfading.Some okay? Lucky wearewearingournametags, who ismissing,whatnewsofthem,arethey scan thegroupforothersthatwerecognise, Enid Blyton.We soonfindourfriendsand 1950s assurelyourfacesandlovefor place ussolidlyintheAustraliaofmid Rosemary, Janet,Catherine,Lyn. Namesthat Oh here'sJulieandAnne,Elizabeth It’s exciting tobeseeeach otheragain. with ournametagsandgotojointheothers. and withgreatefficiencyweareadorned our day. different to on aSaturdayafternoon?).So (what aretheyalldoinghereatthelibrary among themillingstudentsandparents be heardandwesoonlocateourowngroup, OFwomen'slaughtercan SOUNDS THE reunion. for 40-year our of 1974,of the Class here at PLC Sydney part grounds.college We are the tower, issetting over the barely noticeable beyond weAs arrive, awaning moon, 1974OF REUNION MEMORIES: OF EVENING AN We areheretoadmirethenewfacilities Mrs CatherineMarvellgreetsuswarmly

proud inthespecial greenandgoldblazers, them astheystare outfromtheirphotos, girls achieve withallthis–andwelookat they hintat.What couldthecurrentcropof facilities andimpressedbythepossibilities the satellitetransmission. the imagecrackling andsnowythrough It iswherewewatched themoonlanding, courtyard butinthesamepositionasbefore. grander withtheScienceAmphitheatre the past.Here'sScienceLab,somewhat Catherine bringsusback withasnippetfrom we momentarilyloseourbearingsand the Primary school classrooms. Streets closedoffgivingdirectaccessto and Theatre. MetaStreetandElizabeth jump, replacedbythePerforming ArtsCentre Thompson Hall.The athletictrack andlong staff roomswerereplacedin1987 by memories; Pickard House,the musicand ago replacedbuttowhich we have tethered and closertogether. We recallstructureslong 2013-2014. Everythingsurprisinglysmaller to amuseumandconference room in climbing treeandMardenHall,converted the sunkengarden,camphorlaurel – The BoardersTower illuminatedin 1995, things; ShubraHalllookingsowelcoming promised tour, startingwithsomefamiliar heliotrope dress,wastous. students concernsasLadyJersey, inher – partofanera,asremotefromthecurrent tentative atbest.We havebecomevintage world. Ourconnectionstotheschool are andlefttomake ourwayinthe sat theHSC Of courseweareallimpressedby thenew In theconfusionofallnewfacilities Mrs Marvellsoonhadusawayonthe CLASS CLASS

Ms PhilippaStreet a verygoodemaillistandcankeep intouch. gathering againinfiveyearstime, wehave the school butthatwillnotdeterusfrom years since1979. This maybeourlastat of 1974. We havebeenmeetingeveryfive organising regularreunionsforour class coloured sheets. We writeourmessagesonthelovelypastel all thistimeandisaskingforoursignatures. Ludion haskeptherPLC autographbook How besttopresentourselvestheworld. greying hair. How longdowekeepdyeing? resilient andindependent,butstrugglingwith women; tenacious,passionate,accomplished, Leagues Clubissoonfullwithmiddleaged lights ofSydney. OurprivateroomatAshfield swimming carnival.Inthedistanceare pool wheretheschool heldthe annual Street andpasttheAshfieldswimming a realprivilege. guiding usaroundthe college grounds. It was thoughtful, charming andknowledgeable and you somuch toCatherineMarvell forbeing slide showfromtheschool archives. Thank for usback attheResearch Centre,witha competitive world. the demandsofmodernworld.Ahighly Research Centre.The school respondingto Saturday extension classesin the Macindoe the CroydonHotel,oracaféforparentsand Technology workshopwithinthetiled wallsof Who couldhaveimaginedaDesignand the girlswhohaverepresentedtheircountry. Thanks mustgotoAnneSchroers for We driveofffordinneralongElizabeth There isaglassofsparklingwine waiting ISSUE 12 ISSUE | SUMMER 2014 SUMMER 33

ALUMNI ALUMNI EX-STUDENTS

CAROLYN SANFORD Many of the children (adults now) and their families keep in touch with me. I have three (NEÉ HAYNES) children, David in Perth with the East Perth Chamber of Commerce in the training Year of graduation: 1959 area, Jenni a solicitor with the Education Since leaving school I have… completed Department in Sydney and Jess who is a Vocational Education and Training degree studying a Master of Librarianship, after followed by two masters degrees; Master having two other degrees in the arts and of TESOL (teaching English to speakers of journalism, lives in Beaconsfield. other languages) as well as Master of LLN Current occupation: I still busy myself (language, literacy and numeracy). I have with part-time work with CSU as a clinical had many interesting positions to use these educator within the Indigenous unit qualifications, one being in the Victorian gaol helping students with their study skills and system teaching inmates to read and write, assignments in Primary School teaching. the other was starting up ‘the Baxter School’ At 71-years-old I think I may never retire. in 2002, and two years later closing it. This school was at the Baxter Detention Centre Current city of residence: Wagga Wagga, at Port Augusta. It was a great school with New South Wales. 27 children ranging from 4–17 years-old.

ANNE SCHROERS – Been full-time carer for six years for my – Birthdays in the Boarding School. mother who had a heart attack, stroke – Friendships made in the Boarding School (NÉE TEO) and dementia. and the mischief we got up to! – Since retirement, with my husband, run Year of graduation: 1974 – The camaraderie and house spirit at the our own microfinance charity ‘Microlend’ Since leaving school I have… swimming and athletics carnivals. and to date have set up over 1500 – Completed a B.Sc. Dip Ed at Sydney businesses in India, Africa, Philippines, – Year 12 muck-up days. University majoring in Pure Mathematics and recently Mongolia. and Statistics. – The relationships that were made with – Organised many charity fundraising some wonderful teachers like Miss Rees – Taught High School Mathematics at events and Miss Cummins, Mrs Toms and Cremorne Girls and Hurstville Boys Mrs McGrath. – Done several courses, including for 10 years. Landmark Education and Perspectives. Current occupation: Secretary of – Tutored Maths privately for 35 years. Microlend Australia Ltd and a partner – Organised the PLC reunions for the class in Microlend – Nurtured three daughters. of ’74. Current city of residence: Sydney, – Been Director and secretary of a Some of my favourite memories from New South Wales. financial planning company with school are... my husband. – With my friends in the playground at Branxton.

34 PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT – Completedamedicaldegree – Since leavingschool Ihave… Year ofgraduation:2004(MusicCaptain) SCHROERS JADE Left toright:Alice,Jade,Rachel andAnneSchroers ounding and running the Dubbo and ounding andrunningtheDubbo – earnt (andamstilllearning)humility, – earnt todevelopandmaintain – orked forayeartheSydney – – Tamworth HealthcareFellowships. endurance andcompassion convenience oftheschool environment friendships/relationships outsideofthe University EvangelicalUnion majoring inchemistry andbiochemistry (i.e. thecentreandfocusofmylife) F L L W Completed anadvancedsciencedegree, Begun tolivemylif e withJesusasmyLord

New South Wales.New South Current cityofresidence: Tamworth, Base Hospital. Current occupation:DoctoratTamworth – Japanbandcamp – MakingatangramcakeforMathsweek – Year 7philosophy – – ournament oftheMindspreparation – – – HouseChoirnight – Choirrehearsals school are... Some ofmyfavouritememoriesfrom with MsHope Music exam. whilst wewereliningupfortheHSC in MrsMoore’soffice Chemistry class Re-enacting partsof Playing ‘ODannyBoy’inconcertband T Exploding e xperiments inMsVitlin’s The LifeofBrian

New South Wales.New South Current cityofresidence: Sydney, High School. Music teacher atWilloughby Girls' Current occupation:Highschool PLC fostered. generally thewholecommunitythat Tour toJapanandEuropejust musicals, MerimbulaJazzFestival, Band big band,windensemble,theschool and ofcoursethemusicgroups;choir, activities! Sports,DukeofEdinburgh school are...alloftheextra co-curricular ofmyfavouritememoriesfrom Some classroom music. years andhavejustbegunteaching saxophone andclarinettutoringforfive Dame Cathedral.Ihavedoneprivate choir inWestminster AbbeyandNotre and waslucky enoughtosingwitha been apartofmanyensemblesthere and developmysaxophoneskills.I’ve Sydney Unitopursuemyloveofmusic attended theConservatoriumofMusic, Since leavingschool Ihave… Service Captain) Year (Community ofgraduation:2009 SCHROERS RACHEL Springs, NorthernTerritory. Current cityofresidence: Alice at AliceSpringsHospital. Current occupation:JuniorDoctor there aremanymore! boarders… year danceoffbetweendaygirlsand annual swimmingcarnivalandourfinal and hersister, House Choirnights,the written bythelovelyMrsKate Wheatley from school are... ourYear 6Musical Some ofmyfavouritememories medical degree. Students atUWSandcompleteda the AustralianFellowship ofEvangelical done aministryapprenticeshipwith studied medicalscienceatUNSW, Since leavingschool Ihave… Year ofgraduation:2006 SCHROERS ALICE ISSUE 12 ISSUE | SUMMER 2014 SUMMER

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ALUMNI ALUMNI For me,itisimportanttomaintainthese Asia Pacific andAAArchitectureAustralia. magazines such asARArchitecturalReview and havewrittenforleadingarchitecture Technology inthefacultiesofarchitecture, University ofSydneyand my work.Ihavealsobeenteaching atthe and totraveloverseasstudypresent work withanincrediblerangeofpeople, variety ofworkhasallowedmetomeetand and temporaryinstallations.This amazing offices, aswellsculptures,stagesets houses, bars,restaurants,apartmentsand ‘experimental’ studioI’vebeenabletodesign commissions forpublicandprivateartworks. works forSculpturebytheSea,andwinnew I’ve beenabletocreateawardwinning Benz Fashion Week. Andinmyown practice SydneyFestivalArt &About, and Mercedes Sydney ArtMonth,Fringe Festival, Venice InternationalBiennaleofArchitecture, part ofexciting exhibitions includingthe different people.With Archrival Ihavebeen withmany industry events,andtocollaborate me tobepartoflocalandinternational projects, thesetwopracticeshaveenabled in anon-traditionalway. we couldpracticearchitecture anddesign an experimental ‘outofhours’ office where organisation Archrival, withthe aimtocreate people. In2011Icofoundedthenon-profit spaces filledwithcreativelike-minded my studiosbasedinsharedwarehouse been workinginSurryHillssincethen,with Ihave Lucy Humphrey–Studioin2009. & Turner, beforestartingmyownpractice I workedwithPTWArchitects andCollins one incredibleyeartravellingoverseas), and designpractice. of Sydney, andstartmyownarchitecture Architecture withhonoursattheUniversity a Bachelor ofDesignandaBachelor of enough totravelaroundtheworld,complete Since leavingschool Ihave…beenlucky Year ofgraduation:2000 LUCY HUMPHREY EX-STUDENTS 36 In havingone‘traditional’and With astrongambitiontocreatemyown After finishinguniversityin2007 (including PLC SYDNEY SYDNEY PLC | CONNECT

in ourmajorworks. all toourselves,unrenovated,and engrossed went into Year 12, so we were able to enjoy it had justbecomethenewartsbuildingaswe art inanin-depthway. The CroydonHotel to explore ideas,experiment andlearnabout had incrediblefreedomandencouragement classes withMrFyfe andMsEllis,wherewe our BronzeStarrescueexercises. wandering downtotheleafypoolpractice 12 commonroomwithoursocks off,and rose gardens,loungingaroundtheYear own versionofRomeoandJulietteinthe setting everyday. Irememberfilmingour school wasinprovidingalush andinspiring environment, Inowrealisehowinfluentialthe and gardens.Beinginterestedinthebuilt with friendsinthebeautifulschool grounds school are... basedaroundenjoyingtime Some ofmyfavouritememoriesfrom have helpedtomakeeveryprojecthappen. and fortheamazingteamsofpeoplewho and opportunitiestodoallofthesethings, towards adynamicandunknownfuture. architecture, aswemove and talkingabout professional linksandtokeep thinking Some ofmybest memoriesareofart Some I feel verylucky tohavehadthesupport New South Wales.New South Current cityofresidence: Sydney, of hours)venturesArchrival. Studio withthemoreexperimental (andout my daytopracticeasLucy Humphrey and artistinmySurryHillsstudio,juggling Current occupation:Iworkasanarchitect Dr McKeith’s head. on thelastdaybyshavingPrincipal exams –andcelebrating HSC finishing the of friends. encouraging coaches andclose-knitteams travelling nearandfartoplaywithour hockey andcricket gamesontheweekends, a giantslip-and-slideinourtimeoff. Shoalhaven River, wherethehillbecame in thesculpturaloutdoorhall,overlooking rooms. We hadjewellerymakingworkshops and beautifullydetailedtimberconcrete architect GlennMurcutt,witha soaringroof designed byPritzker prizewinning Australian the busonwaythere.The buildingwas Boyd Centre,singingtoAlanisMorrisettein Art camptoBundanon’sArthurandYvonne And lastofalltheexhilarating feeling of I willalwaysrememberearlymorning Another memorableadventurewasour Dressed for fun: Kindergarten students with Miss Tara Jeong in costume for Book Feast

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 37 Boundary Street Croydon NSW 2132 Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519 Email [email protected] www.plc.nsw.edu.au All material appearing in Connect is copyright.

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