PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE: A COLLEGE OF THE UNITING CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

SUMMER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE

3 Message from the Principal 4 Team PLC’s history-making year 6 Year 5 Exhibition 7 Foundation Scholarships 8 Boarding programme builds community 9 Girls see life in new way 10 Introducing Student Prefecture 12 Lighthouse leads way 14 to wellbeing Chaplain’s report 14 Night of Nights 16 Arts-travaganza has School abuzz 17 Alternative pathways lead to bright careers 22 Science Roadshow 24 Scholars excel on the world stage 26 Parents@PLC 28 Parents’ Committee 30 Old Collegians’ Association 40 Foundation Report 42 From the Archives 47 Dates for your calendar 8

Cover Image TEAM PLC was victorious in 2016, led by Sports Captain Matilda Morfesse and Head of Sport Annette Pearce, the Independent Girls’ School Sporting Association (IGSSA) Overall Championship trophy is in our hands for the 9 22 first time.

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@plcperth #plcperth Message from the Principal

Speech Night, 2016 was a wonderful celebration of Learning Co-ordinators work to develop unique learning profiles for many of our accomplishments throughout the year. each of our girls. In addition to profiling growth and development there will It was a year when our girls excelled academically, on the sporting field, in music, be further refinement of our targeted art, dance and drama and in their social service endeavours. programmes as we support each girl One of the highlights of our Speech today is truly outstanding. We have to Discover (Pre K to Year 6), Develop Night programme was our Head much to celebrate, and by focusing on (Year 7 and 8), Define (Year 9 and 10) Prefect Phoebe Johnson’s speech. the aspects that we as a community and Distinguish (Year 11 and 12) who Her words resonated with all in the believe in, the future is sure to be even she is in order to be the best version audience when she said: brighter still. of herself, as Phoebe reminded us. “The only competition I believe in In securing a brighter The health and wellbeing of our is competition with yourself. If you future PLC is undertaking allow your achievements to be based a suite of initiatives in 2017. girls continues to be a focus... on others, your self image becomes The health and wellbeing entirely built around comparison.” of our girls continues to be a focus As you read this we will be about and we are fortunate to have been to welcome our returning and new Phoebe’s message reminded me of the accepted as a founding school for the students to PLC for another year of importance of running your own race Visible Wellbeing Project, run out of the exciting opportunities. This time of both personally and for us as a school. University of Melbourne. This initiative the year reminds me of the words PLC is a very special place, unique trains all staff on an instructional of philosopher Meister Eckhart in many ways, with a character of its model aimed at assisting teachers “And suddenly you know: It’s time to own. At times we are tempted to worry to build wellbeing through their start something new and trust the about what other schools are doing classroom teaching. magic of beginnings.” or how we rank on the latest league table. However, Phoebe reminded us In 2017 we look forward to taking the Dr Kate Hadwen so eloquently about the importance of tracking of academic growth and Principal being the best versions of ourselves. development to the next level as our As a School, the version of PLC we see Director of Learning and year-based

www.plc.wa.edu.au 3 TEAM PLC’S history-making year The combined talents, passion and commitment of PLCs final IGSSA standings were: • Cross Country – 1st Team PLC created history in 2016 when the School • Hockey – 1st was crowned the Independent Girls’ School Sporting • Soccer – 1st Association (IGSSA) Overall Champion. • Softball – 1st • Tennis – 1st In what can only be described as a teams when we have the depth and • Basketball – 2nd year of sporting excellence, PLC won potential to enter 10.” • Volleyball – 2nd five of the 11 individual IGSSA sports • Water Polo – 2nd The increased popularity of sports and was runner-up in three others. • Netball – equal 3rd paved the way for the creation of the The victories included a 30-year • Athletics – 6th Blackwatch Sports Club, giving all the drought-breaking win in cross country. • Swimming – 8th girls an opportunity to be involved in As always, competition against Perth’s sporting activities. Further opportunities to participate in independent girls’ schools was tough team sports are also expanding to the Many of the senior girls competed in all and became an arm-wrestle right up Junior School this year. 11 IGSSA sports throughout the year and to the final two fixtures for the year in this result proves that each and every In 2012 the strategic plan included water polo and softball. one gave their absolute best. building a strong base in co-curricular In the end, just one point separated activities for younger girls, promoting “It’s about every single team, not just PLC from St Mary’s as the overall girls’ a strong training ethos and enhancing about the A teams, it’s about everyone’s school sporting champion. skills, which in-turn strengthens the involvement. We also have wonderful School’s overall participation in Head of Sport, Annette Pearce, said coaches and it’s great to see ex- sporting activities. the win was an amazing team effort PLC girls coming back to coach and and celebrated the enthusiasm for officiate,” Ms Pearce said. An example is the programme from sport among the girls and the entire Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, which “This isn’t just about a trophy for sport. PLC Community. includes a variety of activities such as We have to say a big thank you to Run, Jump and Throw which builds “We have had a huge participation the staff, our coaches and the other hand-eye co-ordination skills. rate over the past few years and we co-curricular activities staff because have a lot of depth in our sport teams,” when we train and compete, some of The Junior School also participates in Ms Pearce said. the girls have had to miss rehearsals athletics including cross country, minkey and the like, so this really is a whole hockey, swimming, netball academies “This is demonstrated when we have to school achievement.” and other sports. say to girls ‘unfortunately there is not an IGSSA team for you’, because there is a The Overall IGSSA Sporting title follows To everyone involved with Team PLC restriction on how many teams schools PLC claiming the Overall IGSSA Rowing throughout the year, from the coaching can enter into the competition. crown (a sport that is not included in and teaching staff, to the parents the Overall IGSSA Championship) and who offered unconditional support “We try to put in extra teams whenever the Head of the River. and to the girls, who left nothing on possible but, for example in 2017, in the court, in the pool, or on the track, senior volleyball we can enter only four congratulations on a fantastic year.

4 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Olympic coach PLC poolside After swimming in the grueling 10km open water marathon for his native New Zealand in the Rio Olympics, Kane Radford is bringing his Olympic expertise to the PLC pool. Mr Radford also brings experience from two American universities, he was at the University of Southern California from 2007- 2009, combining swimming with accounting studies and last year spent four weeks at a University of Tennessee training camp where he learnt ways to “mix up training, build the programme and keep the vibe”.

Based on this experience, as well as several years coaching school-aged children to masters, Mr Radford is adding variety to the School’s swimming training with dry land drills that include core work and squats with medicine balls.

This is aimed at keeping swimming fun and interesting, while building the girls’ strength and fitness.

Head of Sport Annette Pearce said PLC was incredibly lucky to have Mr Radford, and in time the Sport Department would like to bring him into the Junior School swimming programme.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 5 Year 5 exhibition PLC is alive with inquiring minds seeking information Maddy Hansom, for example, researched the difference between and understanding about a diverse array of topics. men and women’s salaries and Year 5 girls’ passion for learning National Director of Australia for included pop sticks with commitments more about the world around them United Nations High Commissioner for written on them in her display. was evident in their Primary Years Refugees, Will Loder, First Secretary to Visitors were encouraged to take a Programme Exhibition. the Australian Ambassador in Tehran, commitment as a reminder of how they RSPCA WA President Lynne Bradshaw, could influence change in the area of The theme was ‘How We Express Chris Sutherland, CEO of Programmed gender inequality. Ourselves’ and the girls worked across and board member of CEOs for Gender a range of disciplines to research and Felicianna Flugge, whose daughter Equity, and our very own Principal create their exhibits. Madeleine explored the gender pay Dr Kate Hadwen. gap between professional sportsmen Some of the issues explored by students The independent learning project and women, was “floored” by the included the gender pay gap in culminated with a carnival-like variety of topics and the high standard traditional workplaces and professional atmosphere in the Swim and of work on confronting issues. sport, gun laws, animal protection and Recreation Centre. greyhound racing. Parents had the The theme was ‘How We Express As part of the preparation for the opportunity to explore Ourselves’ and the girls worked across Exhibition, the girls visited Scitech to and discuss the interview Exhibits Experience Co- exhibits with the girls, a range of disciplines to research and ordinator Rachael Hughes, where they whose enthusiasm for create their exhibits. received behind-the-scenes insight into their chosen subjects how the science exhibits are designed was clearly displayed. She said the independent research and created, enabling them to apply Craig Hansom, Year 5 Dad, said it projects had given the girls “life lessons the process to their own work. was clear the Year 5s had put a lot of that will last forever” and praised the Primary research is integral to effort into researching their topics and opportunity for them to be able to go the inquiry process and the girls their passion for learning had grown on a learning journey in which they interviewed a range of community throughout the inquiry process. could follow their own passions. leaders connected to their selected Many of the girls weren’t simply issue or problem. representing an issue, but also Some of the people who kindly gave challenging the audience to make their time to assist the girls with their a difference. research included Naomi Steer, Foundation Scholarships offer personal giving options

A Foundation Scholarship is the lifelong gift of a PLC education for deserving young ladies whose families might otherwise find it out of reach.

A Foundation Scholarship is the lifelong who excels in a particular sport or Combined Symphony Orchestra, Wind gift of a PLC education for deserving field of the arts, or who is a particularly Ensemble, Chorale and Service. young women whose families might well-rounded student. An exemplary, well-rounded student, otherwise find it out of reach. “Whether it’s social justice, academic, Tabitha was also a member of the For the generous members of the PLC music or sporting based, you choose Senior School team that came first at Community who make it happen, a the field of endeavour and the amount the prestigious World Scholar’s Cup in Foundation scholarship is a heartfelt of your donation and we’ll create the Americas/Australia region finals in and rewarding experience. The opportunities for girls to excel and Bangkok last year and was awarded Foundation Board wants to increase its achieve in that area,” Foundation Board the John Stewart Prize for Literature at scholarship offering, and is introducing Chair, Ian Macliver, explained. Speech Night. a personalised model to encourage “There is a lot of flexibility – a group Tabitha said she felt incredibly grateful contributions to the scholarship fund. can fund someone all the way through, to be a scholarship holder as PLC had People can donate any amount they someone can fund up to 50% of the fees, provided her with a sense that she has wish, or join with other families to fund or fund one year. Alternatively, they can been loved and cared for, and prepared a full scholarship, and nominate a say to the Foundation, ‘this is how much her for whatever she wants to do in specific subject or attribute they would we’re prepared to donate and it’s up to the future. like the student to have an interest in. the Foundation as to how it’s used’. There “To those who’ve given me the scholarship are all sorts of options.” For example, donations can be made to and this opportunity, I’d like to say thank help create a scholarship for a girl who Mr Macliver says people who have you. Thank you for allowing me to be here shows leadership in her community, donated money for a scholarship find it and become the person I’ve become,” extremely rewarding to see girls benefit she said. from a PLC education. To highlight those Head of Music Curriculum, Philippa Roy benefits, the School has celebrated the taught Tabitha the whole way through her “BY MAKING A GIFT many achievements of Tabitha Malet time at PLC, and said her achievements TO THE SCHOLARSHIP who became the first PLC student to speak volumes for what a Foundation FUND YOU ARE graduate with the help of a Year 7 to Scholarship means. OFFERING A DESERVING 12 Scholarship. YOUNG WOMAN THE CHANCE TO “Tabitha has been able to compete on BENEFIT FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF A Tabitha certainly made the most a world stage academically, and she’s PLC EDUCATION, PREPARING HER TO of her PLC experience, achieving a been part of a community that has really TAKE HER PLACE IN THE WORLD.” myriad of awards including Pockets in supported her and helped her to develop - IAN MACLIVER, FOUNDATION CHAIR Literature, Debating, Public Speaking, as a beautiful person.” Arts Participation, Music Participation,

www.plc.wa.edu.au 7 Boarding programme builds community

The PLC Boarding House Wellbeing programme, paper butterflies and placed them around the Boarding House. ‘Strength to Strength’, has blossomed and taken A few weeks later, the Year 7 boarders flight to great acclaim. posted the butterflies all around the Strength to Strength has worked so community among the Year 7 boarders. School and explained their significance well, that other schools in Australia The effect of the projects stretched to at Senior School assembly to are looking to implement it. Highly other girls in the Boarding House and loud applause. accredited and sought-after then nurtured connections within the Head of Boarding, Liz Langdon, said executive coach Sian Jaquet wrote entire School. the success of the programme was to commend PLC explaining that she After a brainstorming session to reflect connecting the Year 7 girls to the has seen nothing like it at any other on what kindness could look like in School, while maintaining connections boarding schools. the Boarding House, the programme to home and ensuring that they felt The overarching goal of Strength to started in Term 1 with the Kindness Tree, cared for, safe and heard. Strength is to create an environment of a large cardboard installation on a wall It also helped reassure parents that co-operation and involvement that is where heart shapes were added to their daughters were in a caring not rule-based, but dependent on the recognise an act of kindness. environment that was warm, safe development of self-regulation. At the end of term, girls reflected on the and fun. Each Year Group within the PLC experience, asking themselves how it After receiving the positive feedback, Boarding House has its own felt to give kindness and how the other Ms Andrews plans to take the White co-ordinator who manages specific person reacted. Ms Andrews said the Butterfly Project out into the community. activities and the work of the 2016 Year tree bloomed into something ‘laden 7 group proved a terrific example of with love’. “A lot of sad things have happened in the power of these wellbeing initiatives. the world and I want to spread love The White Butterfly Project then and hope throughout the Boarding Kindness was selected as the Year 7 followed, inspired by a tribute House and spread that to the whole theme, and Co-ordinator Terri Andrews to the lives lost in the 2015 School,” she said. explained Kindness as being the Nepalese earthquake. cornerstone of all positive attributes. Who knows where the PLC butterflies With Ms Andrews’ help, girls collected will take flight next. The Kindness Tree and White Butterfly sayings that would ‘make someone feel initiatives helped build a caring good or smile’, wrote them on white

8 Blackwatch Summer 2017 LEFT: Picture this: The life-drawing model poses for the girls BELOW: Georgia Morrell with her finished work

Girls see life in new way A PLC education constantly challenges girls to look beyond the obvious, discover their innate talents and be inspired to become confident young women. These themes were highlighted in a The class inspired Georgia Morrell to Visitors to the gallery are able to shine life drawing class, praised by girls and produce a piece that is now one of a torch on to Georgia’s hand and parents alike, when a model posed only 58 from across the state selected machine-embroidered recycled cotton nude for Visual Arts students. for the prestigious Year 12 Perspectives piece to reveal the drawings. Exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA. Driven by a desire to sharpen the Georgia says her work represents how girls’ technical skills, enrich their WACE Georgia said the first couple of minutes it can be difficult for women to be projects and, importantly, nurture of the class were uncomfortable, but comfortable about their bodies without a healthier body image, Visual Arts then “the more we drew, the less we being shamed. Teacher Emma Haining arranged the saw a naked woman and more visit for Year 11 and 12 students. just something to draw,” she “PLC encourages you to look at explained. She wanted to give the girls first- things differently and find yourself. hand observation of the human body All our perspectives changed The School does that in a lot of ways, because many were studying women’s throughout the session and by the but art is really a big part of that. identity and interpreting the female end everyone was comfortable. form as part of the syllabus. A lot of people found a talent they didn’t The Perspectives exhibition was “the know they had and looked at things goal as far as art goes” in Year 12, Many of these projects focused on the differently.” according to Georgia, and she felt insecurities women across the world honoured that her piece was selected, feel about body image and Ms Haining Georgia, who specialises in textiles especially when the curators rarely said it was at first confronting, but rather than drawing, appreciated that chose textiles. ultimately valuable, for the students to her teacher had pushed her beyond see a woman in her 60s pose naked for her comfort zone in an opportunity Chelsea Menmuir and Maja Healy, the drawing class. that would not have been open to her who were part of the life drawing at her former country school, and this class also have artwork on show at the “I received a lot of positive feedback had helped her discover a skill she had Perspectives Exhibition. from parents who were very supportive underestimated. of the class, saying it was a beneficial The PLC Community is encouraged to for their daughter’s confidence and Her Perspectives Exhibition piece, visit the showcase of the best of Year 12 body image,” Ms Haining said. Thellus Mater, includes screen prints Visual Arts at the Art Gallery of WA from of some of the life drawings which are January 28 to April 2. covered by textile work and visible only when illuminated.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 9 INTRODUCING Student Prefecture

Rieley Stewart Meg Anderson Head Prefect Deputy Head Prefect This School has given me so much in I feel so honoured to have been given the five years I have been here, and the role of Deputy Head Prefect for now I have been given the honour of this amazing School. becoming Head Prefect for 2017. I am both confident and excited I hope to bring compassion and enthusiasm to the role; I am about what lies ahead in this position and consider myself determined to give back to the School and pass on to the approachable, open-minded and good at communicating, younger girls the lessons I have learned. skills I will put to good use in 2017.

A passion I share with the Student Council is the importance of I would love to focus on a higher level of cohesion throughout equality for women and addressing this issue at school age. PLC, not only within specific Year Groups, but the School as I believe we live in a world where we are so often comfortable a whole. within the confines of society. While we have all the means to I’m looking forward to working with the rest of our Year overcome this complacency, we often choose not to, at one of Group, the staff, the Student Council and Rieley in guiding the most important stages of development in our lives. our School this year. The limit does not exist unless we place it there ourselves. By understanding this, and getting out into the real-world, I know we can learn, grow and become inspiring women ourselves. Ailee Salter Service Captain Since joining PLC I have been Sophie McDonald encouraged to and have loved Arts Captain participating in the co- curricular activities and am excited about the I feel very privileged to have been responsibility of upholding the PLC values elected as Arts Captain of PLC and Community Service programme. for 2017. I hope to show all the girls the impact they can make through Arts has been important to my empathy and compassion. Another of my goals is to bring development through my time at the School. awareness to issues within our own community that are often I have been involved in numerous musical ensembles, dance sidelined and commonly thought to have no impact on us. and drama performances, and take both Dance and Drama I was part of the Tanzania Service Immersion tour and learnt as WACE subjects. a most valuable lesson which I hope to share: With privilege As Arts Captain, I hope to act as an example and encourage comes great responsibility. people to release their own creativity. I am honored to lead the arts at PLC in 2017 and am very excited to be able to introduce new initiatives as a member of the Student Council. Emily Bradley Sports Captain Winning the title of the IGSSA Overall Tiffany Gossage Champions in 2016 was an incredible Senior Boarder achievement and definitely something Words cannot express how excited I feel we can do again this year. and proud I am to be appointed I will bring a sense of camaraderie and emphasis on Senior Boarder for 2017. participation to sport this year. I may not have been in the top I aim to make it the best possible home away from home teams over the years, but I have persisted and participated in for everyone. Encouraging a warm, cheerful and inclusive as many sports as possible. atmosphere where everyone feels respected and valued, One of my aims is for every girl to have an opportunity which is so important. to be part of Team PLC and help us become back-to- The Boarding team will encourage everyone to make the back Champions. most of the opportunities provided. We will mentor and provide a voice for the girls, get to know everyone, encourage them to utilise the homework help if they need assistance and keep everyone up-to-date with what is going on.

10 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Alexandra Cowan 2017 Academic Captain HOUSE Ever since I came to PLC in Year 5 I have watched in awe and revered CAPTAINS our school leaders. To now have Asha Manton – Baird the opportunity to lead the School as Academic Captain is unbelievable.

I aim to maximise academic opportunities and support networks within the School that are accessible for those entering Year 7, right through to the WACE and IB Diploma programmes.

I will organise help sessions for various subjects and workshops to develop good organisational and study skills. Tess Bevan – Carmichael Annie-May Jannings – Ferguson I hope to be able to grow and promote the role of academic achievement within the entire School Community.

Tiffany Evans JS/SS Captain With all the new changes within Eliza Millar – McNeil Sophie Bell – Ross the School structure being set into motion, I am thrilled to be able to put forward my ideas on creating a more connected School Community.

I will bring commitment and confidence to the role as I am passionate about creating a tight-knit and inclusive community for all PLC girls.

Among the aims I have is to help organise the new School Toritse Mojuetan – Stewart Claire Fitzgerald – Summers Hubs, as well as developing the Big Sister programme by creating a wider range of opportunities for the Junior School girls to form bonds with older girls throughout the year. SCHOOL OFFICIALS

Lily Dixon Deputy Senior Boarder: Kelsey Wright Wellbeing Captain Chorale Captain: Lilly Smeulders Being appointed Wellbeing Captain is Dance Captain: Lily Gubbay without a doubt one of the proudest Debating/Public Speaking Captain: Georgia Weir moments of my life so far. I always Drama Captain: Tilli Andrew strive to show kindness and compassion to others and to help them to do the same. Drama Major: J J Lightfoot Environmental Captain: Hayley Thorne I hope to raise awareness for issues faced by people around me and to teach students how to cope with their own Kookaburra Editors: Emma Rose Bougher & Miah Smith challenges. This will, I hope, instill a sense of compassion Pipe Major: Amelia Crossing and understanding. Reconciliation Captains: Emily Johnson & Hannah Chulung Inclusion is very important to me, so if I can leave this role Stage Band Captain: Dominique Eastwood knowing it is a diverse and inclusive School Community, I will Civics & Social Justice Captain: Jamie Krige be proud. Visual Arts Captain: Rebecca Dunsdon Vocal Ensemble Captain: Izzy Hollingdale Media Captain: Mia Calvetti Orchestra Captain: Olivia Triglavcanin Wind Ensemble Captain: Ciara Taylor

www.plc.wa.edu.au 11 CHAPLAIN’S REPORT Chosen to be his hands, his feet, his voice

Luke 2: 10-11 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’ Lighthouse leads way to wellbeing The shepherds were frightened at the sight of angels and by the The state-of-the-art PLC Lighthouse PLC Lighthouse has been specifically sound of heavenly music. They is on schedule to be opened early designed to support the development were humble, down-to-earth next year, with work under way on the of resilient, courageous young women. men, not considering themselves prized McNeil Street land and a truly The facility plans include: important. The experience was fit-for-purpose name selected from • Oval space to increase by 2,600m, phantasmagoric; the music that a student competition. with synthetic turf for more flexibility exploded in the night; an angel PLC Lighthouse was Eloisa Malet’s • A state-of-the-art facility including telling them something important. (above) winning entry in the physical performance studios, They rushed to Bethlehem, to naming competition and Director of gym equipment and spaces for see this baby who was to be the Wellbeing, Laura Allison, said she was pilates, yoga, dance, video analysis, Messiah. When they saw Mary excited about the name and what aerobics and group fitness and the child, they believed and it represented. • Contemporary and flexible learning went joyfully spreading the news spaces for health education “The committee responsible for of the birth of the Messiah. People • Modern change rooms to replace selecting the name loved it for several were very impressed with their the facilities in the Hugh Baird reasons, including that it carried an stories, and the shepherds revelled Sport Centre immediate welcoming, caring and in the glory of all that they had • A healthy food café for students, protecting presence, and a lighthouse experienced, knowing that their lives staff and parents is associated with leading the way, would never be the same again. • Meeting and consultation spaces guiding you safely to your destination,” for teaching staff and consultants And then Christmas was over; Ms Allison said. • The provision of 65 parking bays and life continued. The humble The applause when the name was • New Uniform Shop, and shepherds received a new meaning announced at Principal’s Assembly was • A centralised storage and purpose- to their lives – an elevated spirit to loud and long and Wellbeing Captain built maintenance facility. sustain them. What about us? Lily Dixon reports that the girls think PLC PLC secured the site in 2015 after the As I try, falteringly, to remain open Lighthouse will become synonymous Shire of Peppermint Grove rezoned to God, I think of the hope that with wellbeing at the School. the Star of the Sea land, owned by Jesus offered, an ever moving, ever Eloisa said she had thought a lot about the Catholic Church, as Residential present hope, at its heart both a what wellbeing meant to her before High Density. mystery and a strength. Some days submitting her entry. this hope is gloriously alive and The School was concerned about losing real; but on days that I am low and “It’s something about the way it helps the option to use the land in the future, uncertain, it is less so. you become a better person, leads you along with the prospect of a high-rise to a new future, just like a lighthouse it development close to and overlooking But even then, in the midst of guides you to safety. I also imagined the School grounds. Building approval our struggles, the events of that its effects on the campus, how each was granted dependent on work night remind us of the sacred in person will be affected individually, beginning by the end of 2016. and around us; of the hope that like a ray of light touches each person. the Christ child offers. This hope To inspect the plans visit Wellbeing touches us and sustains us. We I saw that most of the other campuses and Service on the PLC website – receive the strength to work for and buildings were named after plc.wa.edu.au. peace and justice, to walk more influential people to the school and it gently on this earth, to see in the almost feels like I am among them,” stranger’s face the image of the she explained. One who loves us all.

12 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Words breathe new look on life The moving story of teacher John Stillitano’s life-saving double lung transplant inspired three PLC students to pen award-winning stories in a state-wide writing competition.

The 42-year-old non-smoker’s lungs “I was incredibly moved,” Eva said. were shutting down and a life- “I wanted to convey the strange feeling The true gift of life is more than support system was about to become of breathing through someone else’s just breathing. It is the experiences his best friend when ‘new’ lungs lungs and the power that simply and dreams I can now fulfil, the became available and the successful breathing can give to a person and memories I can make, no matter transplant operation performed. their family.” how temporary. It is these feelings I will carry close to my skin, like a Able to breathe by himself again and The setting for Eva’s story was motivated kangaroo with a joey, for as long reclaim the joys of life with his children, by a mountain biking trip she had as I live. The serenity and the peace Mr Stillitano spoke to PLC girls about his enjoyed in the Boranup Forest, in WA’s and my gratitude for life. experience, his courage and gratitude South West. at this ‘second chance at life’ which Eva Marsh, Year 10, Dragon Breath “The stillness of the bush is a place for motivated the group to enter the Writing I wondered what my mum would reflection on the simple things in life. for Life competition promoting organ look like; how her hair would fall Being removed from the hustle and donation. Seven girls made the finals over her shoulders. I wanted to see materialism of the way we live, and while Ping Yap and sisters Eva and Lizzy what I looked like. I wanted to see if the things we think we need and take Marsh each won first prize in their I looked like my mum at all. I wanted for granted, encourages introspection,” age group. to see all these things. Most of all, I she explained. wanted to feel what it was like when Judged by independent authors, the “It is the appreciation of this simplicity I saw someone smile at me. winning stories (see excerpts on right) that gives you clarity about the value stood out from a total of 74 entries Elizabeth Marsh, Year 7, of life. Being a part of Writing for and are featured in the Book of Life on To See a Smile Life has inspired me to be an organ Donate Life’s website. A few hours after the funeral, I pulled donor and to spread awareness of this on my white coat and gloves as I A published author herself, PLC teacher critical need.” entered room 10 in the intensive and librarian Luciana Cavallaro helped Mr Stillitano’s story and how it inspired care unit of the hospital. The little the girls plan their essays. She says the PLC students’ essays was reported boy in the bed was fast asleep, they were all deeply moved by Mr in The West Australian where the girls’ nine tubes leading from his body to Stillitano’s experience and their stories desire to promote the cause was echoed various machines. His mother was reflected this. by a man who knows the significance of sitting beside him. As I checked the Lizzy and Eva explored the emotions organ donation better than most. boy’s vital signs, I heard the steady and experiences of a donor recipient, “Even now I often think about the beeping of the heart rate monitor. while Ping wrote about the rush of person whose lungs I have and promise I watched as the lines spiked emotions from the view of a donor myself to make the most of their gift,” up, then flattened. That’s Will’s family member. Mr Stillitano said. heartbeat. I smiled. Ping Yap, Year 10, Blue

www.plc.wa.edu.au 13 Night of Nights Speech Night has a long held tradition of highlighting the very best of PLC and the 2016 version proved no exception.

Amid a series of outstanding dance, of young women than they are today,” theatre and musical productions, Dr Hadwen said. recognition of WACE Dux Eloise Wiffen Speaking to her school for the last time, and IB Diploma Dux Clea Sanders Head Girl Phoebe Johnson explained how brought loud applause. Another standout grateful she is for all that she has learned, was the combined performance of Last and told her fellow students that ‘being of the Mohicans by the Senior Pipe Band, oneself’ was the most important lesson Wind Ensemble and Bartok Orchestra. of all. Principal Dr Kate Hadwen reminded the School it is important to stand strong “It’s not about being someone for what you believe in. “The values of else, it’s about being your own courage and hard work have never been person, and owning that.” more important in the development

Arts-travaganza HAS SCHOOL ABUZZ

Widely acknowledged The 2016 extravaganza was no Principal Dr Kate Hadwen said the best exception, kicking off with staff feature of all was the girls’ exceptional across the School as performances including Principal support of one another, regardless of “the best day of the Dr Kate Hadwen as Sandy and Dr the skill level on display. Andrew Cousins as Danny from Grease year”, Arts Day is a The Junior School couldn’t fit all its rocking out to The One That I Want. huge celebration of creativity into one day and hosted Many Old Collegians, parents and its own Arts Week, which began with girls’ talents across grandparents came along to watch students dressing as their favourite music, drama, dance, the House Dance and House Choir book character. Other activities competition, enjoy a variety of other included singing and dancing photography, and music and dance performances and competitions, a performance of visual arts. view the array of visual arts and popular fairy tales by teachers, and creatively decorated cakes that look the ever-popular Grandparents and too good too eat. Special Friends Day. ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS LEAD TO BRIGHT CAREERS

With a strong work ethic and expert Vocational Education Training is a “The girls flourish in these endeavours guidance from Boarding House way of ensuring the senior years at and have opportunities for recognition and Senior School staff, Tiarra PLC are engaging, meaningful and for numerous awards as leaders in their White is a shining example of the beneficial for students whose interests areas of learning,” Ms Hetherington said. alternative pathways PLC provides and skills lie in hands-on learning, or Tiarra completed part of her work-based for future success. in fields with a practical rather than training at popular Salter Point café, theoretical emphasis. The Year 12 graduate was a finalist for the Raktacino, where the Wandering-raised Hospitality Group Training Awards while PLC Director of Career Development, student worked for more than a year. completing a Certificate II in Hospitality. Jenny Hetherington, says a VET Owner Carol Robertson sponsored her qualification provides a perfect alternative traineeship and nominated her for the A busy study and work placement entry to university for some girls. hospitality award. schedule meant Tiarra only had three contact days at School and had to leave “Not only is this an essential component “Tiarra is an exceptional person. She has the Boarding House at 6.00 am to work of achieving a WACE on a General a strong, honest work ethic, nothing is at a café one day, and at 6.30 am on pathway, it is also a means of advancing too much trouble and she’s a very quick another day to work at a butcher shop. through training at TAFE and, in some study - the School should be very proud cases, direct to TAFE Diploma level,” of her, we get a lot of good feedback,” “The teachers and boarding staff Ms Hetherington said. Ms Robertson said. were very supportive and helped with transport. I wouldn’t have got this The latest research, based on long-term Tiarra will study her Certificate III in opportunity at my local high school,” studies by the Faculty of Business and Hospitality this year and would like to Tiarra explained. Economics at University of Melbourne, complete an apprenticeship in meat indicates that there is great value in a processing. She also hopes to work on “There was a lot to do with four WACE VET pathway, in terms of both post- cruise ships and would one day like to subjects, Certificate study and the theory school employment opportunities and revamp an old hotel in the Wheatbelt into combined with work placements, but I income levels. a welcoming place for tourists. got through it.”

All 10 girls who studied VET subjects at PLC in 2016 achieved their WACE and VET Certificates:

Business Certificate IV: Education Support, Jasmin Barunga, Madison Certificate III: Pillinger, Lexi Mary, Alice Lyndi Bradshaw Reilly, Jade Sadler, Patrea Hospitality Certificate II Piwowarski, Eleanor Simpson and Nails Certificate II: Education Support, Tiarra White Certificate III and IV: Nadia Bennier

www.plc.wa.edu.au 17 Emily and Chris

Sally and Annie

Mia and Sally

Service a two-way street The Simpson family found PLC’s parent/daughter “It was a community-service based project, but it ended up being a Cambodia trip so fulfilling all five members plan personal journey. It’s one of the to return and undertake the service immersion best things I’ve ever done in my life,” experience as one. she said. As well as joining her family in a Over the past decade, groups of The parent/child experience shared number of volunteer activities close Year 10 girls and one of their parents on the immersion trips is certainly to home, Emily has also initiated a have travelled to one of the poorest unique and memorable. The labour- project creating comfort packs for a countries in the world and built more intensive work in tropical humidity women’s refuge. than 250 houses, as well as a school has, for many, translated into for 1,900 children in a village about strengthened relationships and “It’s a wonderful feeling to leave three hours drive from the capital a greater understanding of each a place a little better than when Phnom Penh. other at home. you started...” Through the not-for-profit Tabitha Some days are highly emotional, like Now completing a Masters in Foundation, PLC groups have also visiting mass grave sites; however, Architecture at The University of donated box-loads of school utensils understanding the hardships the people Western Australia, Emily even attributes and sports equipment. It has been a of Cambodia once faced highlights the Cambodia experience to sparking most rewarding experience for the the strength of character and positive her interest in building. girls and their parents, as the Simpsons outlook their ancestors have today. Annie, who is studying Psychology at happily attest. “Most profoundly, the Cambodian UWA, said the trip had a major impact Chris Simpson and wife Sally (Evans, people, many of whom have so little, on her perspective of life. 1982), with their daughters Emily, Annie are so happy and so appreciative of us “It’s a wonderful feeling to leave a and Mia, have participated three visiting,” Sally Simpson said. place a little better than when you times and describe the experience as The Tabitha Foundation does much for started, with the opportunity to provide life altering. Cambodian women, taking them off necessities so often taken for granted in “In those three service tours the family the streets and giving them a purpose our own lives,” she said. has formed a common bond, and in life. One example is the Foundation Mia, who plans to study Commerce, that has led us to continue to try and providing women with glasses enabling said the tour and her families other support various community causes them to learn to sew so they are able to service activities had definitely brought closer to home,” Mr Simpson said. earn a living. them all closer. “It’s a rite of passage, with a parent The effect of witnessing all this up “We’re all quite different but doing and child working side by side, it has close has had a profound and lasting service has brought us together. It’s an emotional impact.” effect on Emily, prompting her to reflect something that has been embedded in deeply on her life and take action. us and which we want to continue.”

18 Blackwatch Summer 2017 EVERYONE NEEDS A SPORTING CHANCE

Proof that service at PLC is about The children play games, such as meaningful, ongoing relationships is modified volleyball and learn dance evident every Wednesday afternoon skills, as well as moving through a fitness during Terms 1 and 4 when the circuit that helps develop balance, Sportslink programme is in full gear. strength and fundamental movement. This service programme has been With such a high ratio of PLC girls to running for eight years, after PLC children, the programme allows the developed a partnership with the children to develop skills in a “can do” Recreation and Sport Network Inc, environment with their buddy. Inclusivity WA, the Department of Sport The programme assists in the and Recreation and local councils. development of the whole child: Sportslink serves young children with socially, emotionally, cognitively and disabilities in the local community with physically by providing a structured the help of Senior School students who environment, where the children Health and Physical Education Teacher become a “buddy’’ to a child. practise skills, while developing their Matthew Donaldson, who runs the self-esteem and self-confidence. There were 15 Year 10 and Year 11 PLC programme with staff member Amy girls involved and nine children from the These skills assist in ongoing McDonald, said the programme community, most aged 7 to 15 years, in involvement in physical activity in was also beneficial for the PLC Term 4. the community. girls, who develop empathy and communication skills. student2student education

Girls in Years 7 to 9 are helping disadvantaged children achieve better educational outcomes through a flagship Smith Family programme.

Saffron Fairweather, Georgia Georgia and Saffron both say Charlotte says she became involved Kestel and Charlotte Fairweather they have learnt a lot about time after she saw Saffron making have been supporting Australia’s management and responsibility a difference. largest education charity through through volunteering their time two “It’s a good feeling, especially when you student2student, which involves or three times a week. notice your buddy’s attitude improve,” reading with a buddy in 20 minute “If you’re not organised you’re letting she said. phone sessions. them down. Sometimes we’re the only The Smith Family equates the ‘reading Georgia has been involved with constant in their lives,” Saffron said. gap’ between the lowest socio- student2student for three years after The students are assigned a buddy who economic status (SES) students and becoming one of the first PLC girls to is two or three years younger than they the highest SES students is equivalent sign up for the programme. are, but they don’t know each other’s to almost three years schooling, “I’m really enjoying it – there’s identity or where they live and only ever but reports through programmes something so nice about seeing have contact over the phone. like student2student show the gap improvement in your buddy and is closing. PLC facilitators from the Wellbeing hearing how much the reading means and Service Department and Smith A recent survey reports that 95% of to them,” she said. Family supervisors support students to students improved their reading, 64% “It’s my favourite (service) activity connect with each other and assist with doubled their reading progress, and because there’s a personal relationship ordering books. 89% said student2student made it – a friendship.” easier to complete school work.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 19 Girls steal spotlight in boys’ classic Middle School drama students thrived on the challenge of bringing fresh life to the classic all-boys play, Lord of the Flies.

In initial discussions about the choice of He lent his expertise to the Year 7 play with Drama Teacher Oliver Craze, to 9 girls, training them to perform the girls wanted to prove that whatever the gritty and energetic fight scenes boys could do they could do better. towards the end of the play that left the audience gasping. Lights, Camera, The girls outdid themselves, according to Mr Craze. They found the play The girls’ new-found stage combat Action demanding yet enjoyable and bought skills were complemented by the great energy to the stage, earning transformation of the Hazel Day Drama Eliza Perkins combined her love some very positive feedback from Centre stage into a desert island plane of Film and Psychology winning audience members. crash site, with the help of large pieces the People’s Choice Award in the of a 1960s Sabre Fighter jet. prestigious Bond University Film “They really flourished in the fact Awards. By winning this category, that this is a very difficult play,” These were procured by PLC’s talented she was nominated for the Grand Mr Craze said. set designer Rob Kelly, from the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek. Jury Prize. “Many girls surprised themselves in Media teacher Bianca Venturi what was a massive self-confidence The play, adapted from the 1954 said it was a huge achievement boost for them.” novel by Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding, tells the story of for the Year 12 student and 2016 What helped make the challenge the social issues a group of British Kookaburra co-editor, whose film more exciting for the girls was the boys experience when they become was selected as one of only 18 fight scene choreography and training stranded on an uninhabited island finalists across six categories from from leading stage combat instructor after their plane crashed in a wartime 277 entries nationwide. Andy Fraser. evacuation. The BUFTA short film competition Mr Fraser has accreditation from In a great team effort led by Stage is one of the richest in the southern the British Academy of Dramatic Manager Bauke Snyman, Middle hemisphere and is open to aspiring Combat and the Society of Australian School and Senior School girls filmmakers from Year 11 and 12 from Fight Directors, and has provided contributed their creative and technical secondary schools across Australia. fight direction and choreography skills to the sound effects and some of to the WA Opera, Black Swan State In just under five minutes, Eliza’s the visual effects, while Drama Assistant Theatre Company, Deckchair Theatre, film Cycle explores how we see Lizzie Davies was responsible for the Barking Gecko and the WA Academy the world and people around us battle-scarred look of the costumes, of Performing Arts, as well as film and as we grow from infancy to our hair and makeup. senior years. television production companies.

“I’ve always loved psychology and developmental psychology, and I’ve explored this in a way everyone can relate to,” Eliza said.

Though Eliza has no idea how long it took to produce, she did start filming the hundreds of sequences and images used in the film during December and it was finished in September.

“Ms Venturi was a really big support and helped with matching the images to the narration,” Eliza said.

She added her Year 11 Media teacher Gemma Freel had also given a lot of guidance while the narration was based on what she had learnt in Year 11 and 12 Psychology.

Eliza plans to study Psychology, but continue making films as a hobby.

20 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Musicians hit high notes outside School

Olivia Triglavcanin Art show ‘best ever’

The Junior School hosted the ‘biggest and best ever’ IPSHA Art Exhibition, attracting thousands of visitors from across Perth.

The Independent Primary School Miah Smith Nicola Armstrong Heads of Australia art show is a biennial event that demonstrates a wonderful culmination of skills, The breadth of PLC’s musical talent is has helped a much younger generation ideas, creativity and talent of both continually evident at School functions appreciate music through the WAYO students and teachers. where more than 600 performers Babies Proms concert series. The School’s Swim and Recreation in different ensembles entertain. Olivia says the Babies Proms concerts Centre offered the light and space However this is not the only place were a lot of fun and fulfilling for a required to showcase the artworks where PLC talent is recognised. young musician who wants to share from 23 schools inspired by the 2016 Orchestra Captain Nicki her passion and make it enjoyable and theme ‘Creativity Is Contagious. Armstrong, 2017 Orchestra Captain accessible for all. Pass It On’ – a phrase coined by Olivia Triglavcanin and fellow Year 12 Albert Einstein. “You have to start somewhere,” she student Miah Smith regularly perform said. “You’re never going to escape “It was a huge success. Most in prestigious orchestras outside of PLC. music so you may as well be a part of teachers from other schools said it As a soloist with the Stage Band at the it. You have to rock it yourself. Bringing was the best IPSHA art show they’d WA Schools’ Jazz Festival, Nicki was music to life is phenomenal.” ever attended,” Head of Junior the only individual player awarded a School Art, Colleen Garland said. A Music Scholarship recipient, Olivia’s WAYJO (Western Australian Youth Jazz exceptional leadership skills have “We loved the opportunity to host Orchestra) prize for performing with been in the spotlight through her it, it was very exciting to meet an this elite ensemble. Concert Master position of the WAYO interesting array of art teachers. She is also a member of the WAYO Philharmonic Orchestra as well as It was very collegial.” (Western Australian Youth Orchestra) the PLC/Scotch Combined Symphony The quality of PLC student artwork Philharmonic Orchestra on cello Orchestra and Bartok Orchestra. was prominent throughout the and bass trombone, and is currently Miah Smith has been selected in exhibition, including two and three- principal trombone. the newly formed St George’s String dimensional self-portraits and A Music Scholarship recipient, Nicki was Quartet under violinist Professor Paul ceramic sculptures, and the Year 5’s awarded the 2016 Baird Prize for Music Wright and received a Scholarship totems which were also a popular for an outstanding contribution at PLC position with Engage – an exhibition feature at PLC Open Garden Day. that included playing in the PLC/Scotch programme at UWA School of Music for “The students loved seeing what Combined Symphony Orchestra, Bartok talented young musicians. was being done at other schools, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Stage Band, Miah is also a member WAYO and a something we don’t often get to do, Chorale and Chamber Ensemble, as PLC Music Scholarship recipient who and the artwork was of such a high well as Music Honours. performs in the Bartok Orchestra, String standard,” Ms Garland said. Olivia Triglavcanin has performed as Quintet, the PLC/Scotch Combined violin soloist with the WAYO Collegium Symphony Orchestra and is a member Orchestra at the Perth Concert Hall and of the Chorale.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 21 The PLC girls learnt from a group Lab work offers of women in their 20s, mainly PhD students, while experiencing a working medical laboratory and witnessing real-world experience first-hand the importance of research. Science students have been working alongside research The after-school immersion was scientists from the esteemed Harry Perkins Institute for spearheaded by Science Teacher, Medical Research in the fight against cancer. Sabrina Earsman, who said usually only university students have the chance to study in such an environment.

“It’s great for girls to experience a real context and have a clear vision of the pathways open to them, challenging the way they may imagine scientists - perhaps as a man in his 40s,” she explained.

“The girls were working on real human cells in cancer research, involving drugs that may switch on and off certain genes, and on cancers related to asbestos.”

Year 8 student Nisha Whittome was blown away by the hands-on experience, which included working with HeLa cells, an immortal cell line that belonged to a patient who died 65 years ago.

“Being able to apply my scientific knowledge into a real-life situation has inspired me to work towards a career in research”, she said.

The 13 Middle and Senior School students visited the Harry Perkins Institute once a week in Term 4, and also learnt various advanced experimental medical research techniques, including the use of micropipettes and how to deliver drugs using nanoparticles.

SCIENCE ROADSHOW

A PLC Science roadshow was a hit “Our students were the teachers and on its tour to Rosalie Primary School, we received some fabulous feedback where seven Year 10 girls shared the from Rosalie – they loved it.” wonder of simple experiments with The girls performed three simultaneous students in Years 2 to 4. presentations with three experiments The aim of the girls and PLC Science each, using everyday household items, Teacher Justine Spencer was to produce including a crash test teddy to illustrate a Scitech-like show to make the Newton’s Laws, as well as gases and subject fun and accessible at Rosalie’s concepts of density. Science Fair. Ms Spencer said the girls had held a “It was a great opportunity to showcase brainstorming session to decide on the girls doing well in Science while building topics and the experiments, which were on their excellent communication skills, performed with no chemicals. and make PLC visible in the wider community,” Ms Spencer said.

22 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Poppy cracks code of self-mastery

A teacher climbing through a classroom window with an She said Mr Scholten gave her a lot extension cord, a family not able to access their fridge, and of other support, including helping her apply for the Scitech opportunity. some very late nights are among the efforts that went towards Georgia Krige’s Personal Project - Poppy. “I had a lot of people telling me to do something easier, but I’m really happy But all the sacrifice was worth it when “At the Personal Project exhibition a I took the challenge,” Georgia said. lot of people tried to trick it, especially the Year 10 student (2016) was asked “I learnt a lot about time management, students. One of my friends tried to present her Siri-like robotics project organisation and - on top of everything to trick it for half an hour, but she to a group of teachers from across – coding. Presenting at Scitech didn’t succeed.” Perth at Scitech. was amazing.” Georgia, who knew nothing about It took Georgia many hours to coding before she started the project, build Poppy, especially with her “I spent my summer holidays learning did all the coding herself. lack of experience in coding. coding – with programmes such as “I came up with the idea before school “Sometimes it would take me Java, Python and AIML, and it was finished. I wanted to learn to code a week to work something out. written on Raspberry Pi computer.” and thought I may as well give it a go,” It was a ‘figure it out as I went’ Georgia said. kind of thing,” she said. Georgia was selected to present at “I spent my summer holidays learning “I felt like throwing something through the the Teachmeet event in September, at coding – with programmes such as computer sometimes, but then I went out which students spoke about their STEM Java, Python and AIML, and it was for some fresh air.” projects to teachers from across Perth. written on Raspberry Pi computer.” She said it was a momentous occasion “I was the only person by myself. It went Georgia’s have-a-go attitude resulted in when she knew it worked. for eight minutes at the Planetarium her coding an artificial intelligence (AI) “That was at two o’clock one morning. on a huge screen. It was a very proud chat bot – a robot with a chat interface, It was a really exciting moment. moment for me.” like Siri, except questions are typed in and answers appear on the screen. “My Dad had stayed up to support me Georgia would now like to do more and he woke up the rest of the family to coding in her spare time. “You can have a conversation with it, tell them.” as if you’re talking to another person.” After school she would like to The project hit another snag ahead study engineering and computer Georgia even wrapped her desktop of the Personal Project Exhibition science, and one day, write code for computer in a towel and took it to when Economics and Society and aeronautical engineering. Rottnest Island for the Easter holidays – Environment Teacher Chris Scholten travelling ashore on an inflatable boat. had to climb through a window to She worked on her project while on connect an external cable into a the Island with her family, blocking classroom from the Tech Centre. her family’s access to the fridge with her computer cable, until her parents decided it would be easier to move the fridge, than ask her to stop.

“My family put up with a lot,” she said.

Georgia said she named her project Poppy after her friend Poppy Evans, but said its persona was a mix of people.

It picks up keywords and bases a response on those. Keywords match other keywords, then Poppy will ask for more information if something isn’t clear.

“I did a lot of research on what people ask Siri,” Georgia said.

She said she also enjoyed the creative as well as the mathematical side of coding and gave Poppy a good sense of humour.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 23 Scholars excel on world stage PLC’s success in the prestigious 2016 World Scholar’s Cup Schools and Ms Walker said the continued in the United States during November. academic competition fitted nicely with the philosophy of the International Helen Lovegrove (Year 7), Nisha Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, Erica Baccalaureate programme – inquiry Whittome (Year 8) and Emily Pruiti Walker, who prepared the girls for their and dealing with global issues. (Year 8) represented the School in the World Scholar’s Cup campaign and Emily, whose award-winning essay was Tournament of Champions finals held accompanied them and their mothers about how the best art references other at Yale University. The girls competed to America, said it was an incredibly art, said the Scholar’s Cup had given in four challenges based on the theme enriching trip. her a whole new perspective. ‘An Imperfect World’ and won a Gold “The opportunity to travel to Bangkok Medal in the Writing Challenge, with “We were exploring things on a for the Global Round, and then to Yale Emily awarded the Top Scholar of all different level, meeting new people and for the Tournament of Champions, has the competitors for writing in her age learning to accept different viewpoints,” widened the girls’ experience of other group. The girls finished in 30th overall she said. cultures, approaches to education and in a field of 232 teams from around future possibilities,” Ms Walker said. “The subjects we were studying were the world. serious, but they made it fun.” “It is unusual for a team to do so well in Up against many older girls, these their first year of competition. It usually Nisha said she enjoyed discussing amazing results follow on from PLC’s takes some time to understand the Donald Trump’s election campaign with two senior teams finishing first and strategies required and for team an Israeli girl she made friends with, third, and the Junior Team fifth, in the members to recognise the amount of and encouraged any PLC girl thinking Americas/Australia region finals of the work that they have to do individually about participating in the Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Bangkok last June. to achieve success.” to ‘give it a go’. The senior girls were unable to The World Scholar’s Cup aims to build a “You don’t need to be academically compete in the Tournament of community of acceptance among future gifted – it’s about being passionate Champions because of conflicting leaders in various fields. Many of the about what you’re studying and wanting exam schedules. students involved study at International to learn.”

24 Blackwatch Summer 2017 A whale of an achievement Lucy Baddeley’s Personal Project Illustrating how the Personal Project was a whale of a success, winning enables students to connect learning the $3,000 Sustainable Living prize with their interests and passions, the in the open section of the Castaways Year 10 student said she spent a few Sculpture Awards, as well as being hours each day for more than two exhibited at the Perth Royal Show, a months making the whale. popular café, PLC Open Garden Day “There’s nothing as magical as the and a holiday resort. underwater world, and it’s unbearable Lucy says she was “shocked” that her to imagine future generations won’t be five-metre whale shark made from able to experience pristine life beneath 650 plastic bottles – entitled A Whale the sea due to our littering and failure of a Problem – made such a splash to act,” Lucy said. in the City of Rockingham’s sculpture “People think ‘I won’t make a competition. Even more so when difference’, but it all adds up.” she learnt it was entered in the open THE GAME competition because it was too big to She said some places across the world’s be entered in the schools exhibition. oceans were like “plastic soups” where rubbish became trapped by currents. THAT “I’m passionate about the ocean. I love scuba diving and want to be a marine As well as the plastic bottles INSPIRES biologist,” Lucy said. representing this deadly marine pollution, the sculpture features poly “The whale shark represents beauty pipe and fishing line, which are also LEARNING and tourism, and they will perish if we harmful to marine life when left in the don’t stop plastic pollution.” A group of 12 Junior School ocean or on beaches. students have built a virtual Stewart House Advisor Joanna Clucas After being a hit on the Rockingham representation of PLC using an said she was extremely proud of Lucy’s foreshore, Lucy’s whale was part of educational version of the popular success and the hard work that had a Perth Royal Show exhibition about game Minecraft, pushing their made it possible. plastic pollution, before taking a break imaginations and creativity in “The organisers recognised the work in her grandmother’s shed. It is now on ways not possible in the real world. and message behind the piece and display at a holiday resort in Coral Bay. Junior School Learning Technology offered to enter it in the main awards “I’m happy it will be seen to create Coach, Charles Porter said that category,” Ms Clucas said. awareness about plastic pollution – while Minecraft was inherently “We are very proud of the work Lucy more so than it would in grandma’s about problem solving, it could put into her Personal Project and the shed,” Lucy said. also inspire students’ higher-level recognition she has received speaks critical thinking. highly of her ability.” “When students work together, Lucy started the project last Christmas it builds a positive classroom holidays when she began collecting climate, teaches the benefits plastic bottles on Cottesloe and of collaboration and facilitates teamwork in a way that’s more Swanbourne beaches, as well as BELOW: Anabelle Muir and Lucy Baddeley from friends. (right) with A Whale of a Problem organic than, say, being assigned to work together on a project,” Mr Porter said.

“Students who might not work well together in the real world can become allies in the Minecraft world.”

Children learn naturally through a combination of observation, trial and error, and play-based practice. An open-learning environment like Minecraft allows students the freedom to experiment and challenge themselves.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 25 The 19th Open Garden Day with the theme of Soil, Sustenance and Serenity was a huge success.

Parents@PLC

Service is an integral part of PLC for the girls and it is wonderful making it an enjoyable way to watch to see so many parents leading by example with the events the family-friendly movie. and functions that Parents@PLC supports. The annual Parents’ Tennis Morning was held on a beautiful sunny day We aim to help foster relationships in May and everyone had a fun within the School Community, support morning. Lots of laughs were had on our volunteers and promote parent the court and great chats took place friendships and connections. when the morning concluded with a Throughout the year Parents@PLC delicious lunch. representatives have organised This year the Junior School Charity Quiz many events. The P@PLC Committee night was once again a sold-out event. would like to thank the many parents A fun night to get together with friends who have contributed, and those and raise money for a charity voted who organise interesting and varied on by the Junior School students, who events such as parent morning and this year chose Bright Blue – the Police evening get togethers and year group Commissioners’ Fund for Sick Kids. The functions. Such occasions would not WA Police Commisioner, and Chairman be as successful without the support of and Founder of Bright Blue, spoke on parents volunteering their time to help the night about the role the charity and attend. plays in supporting sick children. He The Outdoor Movie Night returned also attended a Junior School Assembly in Term 1 with the newly refurbished to graciously accept our cheque for Quad proving to be a beautiful venue. $27,500. Part proceeds from the quiz The atmosphere was wonderful with night went to Parents@PLC. picnics, beanbags, blankets and pillows

26 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Shane and Helen Martin kindly hosted • Stock pots for Home Economics the Country Day Trip at their farm in • Refurbishment of the Health Centre Bindoon. A windy, cold day did not • All weather PA system for the Quad detract from the delicious morning tea served on arrival. Rugged up, everyone Ongoing annual funding: went for a walk through the bush • Teacher travel grants (in conjunction paddock for a delicious BBQ using local with the Parents’ Committee) produce. It was a great day out in the • Prizes for Scotch/PLC Quiz Nights in country and there was even a game Years 6 and 7 and Games Night in of cricket. Year 8 The 19th Open Garden Day with • Decorations for Year 10 Social and the theme of Soil, Sustenance and Year 11 Dance Serenity was a huge success. More • Farewell gift from parents to than 1,000 guests enjoyed beautiful departing Year 12 students at weather as they explored the seven Valedictory Dinner gardens, markets, café, music recitals, flower demonstration, PLC Pipe Band Subsequent funds: performances and the complimentary • Open Garden Day Raffle – tram rides. The inclusion of students’ PLC Pipe Band, and PLC at your Visual Art and Personal Project pieces, • Shelters for outdoor events as well as the PLC Kindergarten garden Finally, I would like to thank all the fingertips showcased the wonderful PLC education parents who have taken on many and The PLC App has become a experience to the wider community. varied roles within Parents@PLC to help popular reference point for Although not our primary focus, people feel supported and welcome parents since it was introduced fundraising at events such as Open within the School. in Term 3. Garden Day and the Quiz Night help The Committee appreciates the many Easy to use, it contains Parents@PLC to support the School. parents who were able to join our important information such The Wish List was again open for meetings each term, often as many as contact numbers and the everyone within the School community as 50 have joined us. These meetings School calendar, links to the to submit requests for funding. are a great way to connect with what School website, newsletters We are delighted to announce that is happening in the School and meet and social media, as well a Parents@PLC funded the following other parents. If you are unable to picture gallery of the most purchases in 2016: attend, we can provide minutes from recent events. • Scissor-lift movable table and a the meeting on request. Susannah Evans (Millie, Year solar panel for Outdoor Education I look forward to supporting new 12, and Lulu, Year 6) said she • Display boxes for art exhibitions President Susannah Evans as she loved how user-friendly the app • Visiting Author to attend Junior welcomes our new parents and was and she often checked the School Book Week reconnects with current parents latest news on her phone when throughout the year. • Refurbishment of a space for cooking she was out and about. and study in the Boarding House Mandy Perrignon If you haven’t already, the Parents@PLC President app can be downloaded from both the Apple and Android app stores. Parents, students and staff should use their personalised PLC login and password to access content.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 27 Parents’ Committee

As we start the new year, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the Parents’ Committee to make 2016, a year that was underpinned by the successful transition contributions to the School equipment and enrich the educational experience to the leadership of Dr Kate Hadwen and the outstanding of our children. We thank all those endeavours of our students. parents who support this venture each term. The year commenced with the official These scholarships reward students opening of the new Senior School, who best demonstrate those values The funds raised in Terms 1, 2, and 3 last with more than 430 parents and staff that underpin the individual, holistic year were allocated to the purchase of members coming together on the approach to education at PLC; a the large market umbrellas to provide new Quad to enjoy the return of the student who demonstrates endeavor, shade in the new Quad and, together Parents’ Committee Sundowner. The participation and service across a with Parents@PLC, the purchase of co-ordination and organisational wide range of activities both within 1,000 chairs for use by the girls during skills of parents from the Committee and outside of the School community. School assembly and other events. and the generosity of a number of As such, they reward the ‘all-round The proceeds from Term 4, 2016 and sponsors ensured that the night was student’ and are not focused purely on Term 1 this year will be allocated to really enjoyable. This was the first academic achievement. the support of a native language of numerous educational and social The scholarship application process programme, providing native speaking events over the year which provide gives girls an opportunity to assistants in Japanese, Mandarin, the opportunity for parents, extended practise a skill that will serve them Spanish and French classes for families, staff and girls to come well throughout their lives: that of the benefit of all students learning together and celebrate the PLC spirit. presenting themselves and their languages across the School. Please remember to mark achievements in the best possible Friday The Parents’ Committee, in to join us on the light in both a written application 17 February 2017 collaboration with Parents@PLC, has Quad for the and, if shortlisted, a subsequent panel 2017 Parents’ Committee remained focused on adding value and interview. Members of the Scholarship Sundowner. support to the education of students at Sub-committee commented on the The Parents’ Committee was pleased to PLC by providing study grants to two impressive talents, achievement and play an active role in the establishment teachers in 2016. endeavours shown by this year’s of Dads@PLC this year. The first function applicants, and of the confidence, The successful applicants for the grants saw more than 100 PLC Dads gather at eloquence and commitment to PLC that were Meredith Beer (Deputy Principal, the Mosman Park Bowling Club to listen was demonstrated by the six students Junior School) to attend the AISWA to guest speaker, Wayne Bradshaw, who were interviewed. 2016 USA Study Tour and Skye Hegarty CEO of the Fathering Project. This was (Middle/Senior School Dance teacher) followed by a number of subsequent We congratulate all girls who applied to attend Harvey Milk Senior High events including a Father’s Day Father- for the scholarships and, in particular School in New York. Daughter breakfast with more than 250 the successful recipients of the Parents’ Dads and daughters sharing breakfast Committee Scholarships for 2017. At the August Committee meeting in the Cafeteria. Meredith presented details of the The Parents’ Committee would like to AISWA USA Tour she attended. The aim of the Fathering Project is to encourage all girls who are eligible She travelled to Portland, Oregon, encourage and assist father figures to for consideration to make time to and Santa Fe, New Mexico where take a more active and engaged role put themselves forward for these she visited schools and met with in the lives of their children. I personally scholarships in 2017. education professionals to look at encourage and welcome all Dads to This year we continued the Committees innovative and modern approaches join this positive initiative and to look Fee Incentive Draw, which assists to teaching and viewing education in out for future events.

This year the Scholarship Sub- committee met and assessed a large PARENTS’ PARENTS’ number of applications from girls in COMMITTEE COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Years 8 and 10 for the two Parents’ RECIPIENT RECIPIENT Committee Scholarships, offered each SCARLETT GEORGIA KRIGE year to a student moving into Years 9 O’GRADY (YEAR 9) (YEAR 11) and 11.

28 Blackwatch Summer 2017

We congratulate all girls who applied for the scholarships and, in particular the successful recipients of the Parents’ Committee Scholarships for 2017.

a new light. Upon her return, Meredith and the School community over many We encourage all parents to participate shared her experiences and findings years and his unwavering commitment through the annual Parents’ Committee in a presentation to the PLC teaching will be greatly missed. membership, and welcome you to staff and is hopeful that new ways of join the Committee as a member, or We would also like to thank Jim educating the students will continue to simply to attend a meeting and meet Debenham and Gary Mack for be discussed. other parents and hear about what is their contributions over a number of happening in the School. The Annual General Meeting of years, and Annie Atkins for her role the Parents’ Committee was held as Treasurer. I would like to formally The 2017 Parents’ Committee look in October and we had parents welcome the new Committee members forward to welcoming all parents to representing the majority of the elected at the AGM and I look forward join us at the Sundowner on Friday School’s year groups in attendance. to working with you all this year. 17 February to celebrate the new school We welcomed some new faces to the year, meet new people and reconnect The Parents’ Committee would like to Committee, as well as saying goodbye with old friends. take the opportunity to thank Jenny to others. Manners and Mark Doran and the Andrew Johnson We thank all our retiring committee Communications and Engagement Parents’ Committee President members; in particular, we would like to team for their untiring work behind thank Chris Simpson, retiring President. the scenes, helping manage various community events and assisting Chris has been the Parents’ Committee and supporting the Committee and President for the past two years, Vice- its projects. president before that, and a Committee member for many years while his In closing, the Parents’ Committee daughters have progressed through meets twice a term, and is a fantastic PLC. He has made an immense and way to become actively involved in valuable contribution to the Committee the School and your child’s education.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 29 Old Collegians’ Association

Old Collegians’ Association Launch of New Mentoring Programme Common Room Fun It has been wonderful to see the Old With so many accomplished Old The OCA Committee sponsored the Collegians so engaged with the School Collegians, there is a wealth of Year 12 Common Room as part of the and each other in the second half of experience and knowledge our younger development of the new Senior School 2016. As well as many reunions, we members and current students can building. It has been wonderful to see have also enjoyed a number of OCA benefit from. To facilitate this, we how much the girls enjoyed this space. events and initiatives, some new and launched a new Mentoring Programme It is in constant use for study periods, some that have been enjoyed for a last year, connecting Year 12 students socialising and preparing morning as number of years. with Old Collegians who are following well as a welcome morning tea at the study pathways that may interest them. beginning of the year. PLC/Scotch College Networking It allows the girls to have a practical Breakfast Gifts for the 2016 Prefects insight when exploring their tertiary With the theme ‘Cutting Through – Once again, the Kailis family donated study options. Leadership in Tougher Times’, PLC a beautiful pen for each new member Old Collegian Morgen Lewis (1987), This year we will expand the Mentoring of the 2016 Student Prefecture, marketing expert and Chief Executive Programme to put Old Collegians in presented in front of their parents at Officer of Australia Day WA, joined contact with more experienced Old a special event. Scotch Old Collegian Michael Smith, Collegians who work in the same Annual General Meeting to share her experiences in her industries. If you are an Old Collegian The AGM in August saw many professional and personal life. It was an who is studying or working and would Old Collegians volunteer to join insightful and entertaining presentation like to be mentored by someone in your the Committee. Thank you to all by both, enjoyed by many Old field of interest, let us know. Similarly, if the Committee members for their Collegians and some Scotch and PLC you would be willing to act as a mentor dedication. We are all looking forward Year 11 and 12 students. to a less-experienced Old Collegian, to a great 2017. we would love to hear from you. Please 2016 OCA Bursaries Awarded contact OCA Co-ordinator Leo Nye via If you would like to become involved Each year, the OCA Committee awards email at [email protected]. with the Committee or would like more three bursaries to students entering information about any of our events or Years 10, 11 and 12. Each bursary covers Valedictory initiatives, please contact Leo Nye at a term’s fees. It is always inspiring to The OCA Committee awarded each [email protected]. speak to the applicants and observe Year 12 graduate an OCA membership how mature, well-spoken and certificate and a bracelet engraved Find us on Facebook, PLC Old intelligent they are. All are a credit to with their leaving year at the Valedictory Collegians or @PLCOCA the School and awarding the bursaries service in October. We look forward to is always a difficult task. This year the welcoming the girls back to school soon Katrina Burton successful applicants were Alexandra for their ‘Year 13 lunch’. President PLC Old Collegians’ Ayers (Year 10), Letitia Martin (Year 11) Association and Olivia Grabowski (Year 12).

30 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Old Girls face off Tessa McOnie raised the profile of Presbyterian Ladies’ College within the WA art community when she was chosen as a finalist in the coveted Black Swan Portraiture Prize.

The 2008 graduate’s portrait of 2010 PLC Head Prefect Kimberley Benjamin, titled Kimba, was one of 40 Black Swan works on display at the Art Gallery of WA.

After deciding Kimberley had an important story to tell, Tessa worked with a series of photographs she took of the Yawuru and Bardi woman from Broome to complete the painting, which took more than a month to finish.

“The process of completing this artwork was pretty laboursome, as a realist artist I tried to push my skill a lot more,” Tessa said of her hyper-realist style.

Many of her subjects are indigenous and Tessa said she was first attracted to the stories and lifestyle while on the PLC Kimberley trip in Year 10.

Her big break came when a representative from the prestigious Linton & Kay Gallery saw a portrait of a rabbit she had painted for a friend from PLC, Charlotte Main, in 2009. After some encouragement from former PLC teacher turned designer, Sarah Chescoe, Tessa became a full-time artist and is now planning a series of shows with singer-songwriter Katie Noonan.

Kimberley Benjamin was at first taken aback by the request to have her portrait painted, but then felt ‘super-honoured’.

Kimberley said she hoped the portrait would help people feel more connected to Australia’s indigenous people and help dispel ignorance and stereotypes. Since studying journalism at Curtin University, she has been working as a project officer at Reconciliation WA and in film. Kimberley also ran the New York Marathon as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project with a squad of 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

OCA Art Exhibition Planning is already underway for the 2017 Exhibition. The Opening Night Cocktail Party will be held on Friday 26 May, with the Exhibition open until 28 May.

The popular ‘Miniatures’ exhibition will be back and we invite all creative members of the PLC Community to participate and submit their own miniature masterpiece on a canvas provided by the OCA.

If you would like to know more about creating a miniature, or you are an artist who would like to register to exhibit your work in the main Exhibition, please contact Sally Martin at [email protected].

www.plc.wa.edu.au 31 REUNIONS

10 YEARS

20 YEARS

32 Blackwatch Summer 2017 30 YEARS

40 YEARS

www.plc.wa.edu.au 33 REUNIONS

50 YEARS

60 YEARS

34 Blackwatch Summer 2017 70 YEARS

YEAR 13

www.plc.wa.edu.au 35 TARTAN NEWS

Janet Fisher (Wishart 1951) Julie Vivian-Williams (1976) Janet has fond memories of boarding In 1977 Julie opened the first wholefood at PLC and playing sport, especially bulk store in the South West, the hockey, coached by Mrs Cusack. She Sundance Wholefood Store, which she completed a Bachelor of Education owned for 11 years. Julie was a founding at The University of Western Australia, member of the Yallingup Steiner School majoring in Physical Education. Janet in 1989, where she still teaches in the has gone on to teach at John Curtin Kindergarten. The School now has 130 Senior High School, Albany Senior High students, three Kindergarten groups School and Hollywood Senior High School. and classes up to Year 6.

Min Kong (1999) Jane Higgins (Millard 1984) Min Kong has been a Senior Jane commenced her career with Industrial Designer at Blue the Western Australia Police in Sky Design Group in Sydney 1992 and has worked in frontline since completing her Bachelor police roles, forensic investigation, Degree in Industrial Design counter terrorism, State protection at the University of NSW. She and human resources. She holds a is passionate about exploring Graduate Certificate in Public Sector beautiful forms and the Management. functional requirements of products that provide a simple Jane married Scott Higgins, Acting solution to the end users. She Commander, State Crime, and they have three boys who are now 11, 12 believes in the benefits of good (WMDO) and managed three police and 14 years old. design to enhance everyday stations within the area. In addition experience for everyone. Between 2000 and 2007 Jane to managing police stations, she Min enjoys the dynamic nature worked part-time, while her three managed a complex $12.5 million of consulting work and has boys were young, co-ordinating building project which included led many successful projects equal opportunity complaints on additions and refurbishments to with high design quality and behalf of the Commissioner of Police Mirrabooka, Morley, Scarborough innovation. She has received and developed resolution strategies and Warwick Police Stations. that reduced corporate risk to several design awards and also Whilst at WMDO, Jane was Chair of WA Police. maintains close ties with UNSW, the West Metropolitan Integrated where she lectures part-time on Jane then went on to become Officer Offender Management Committee, design and design research. in Charge of the Forensic Fingerprint which managed a small group of As an ex-PLC girl Min is an Bureau where she was responsible high-risk young offenders through advocate of gender equality and for supervising and monitoring a whole of government/case believes in the unique influence state-wide specialist fingerprint management based approach. response to all homicide and major girls have in the society. She is currently an Inspector crime incidents. and Project Manager with the After two years, Jane filled the role of Continuous Improvement Team National Projects Co-ordinator within (CIT) which forms part of the Anna Robson (1986) Business Technology, and provided Frontline 2020 project. This project After a career in social work and art policy research, advice, support and is a major programme to make therapy in rural and remote Western co-ordination on specific operational extensive reforms to the structure Australia, Anna recently returned and organisational national projects and service delivery of WA Police. to university to study medicine. She principally relating to CrimTrac. Jane always manages to find time is now exploring a new career as a Jane then went on to become an to ride her road bike regularly and paediatrician and has a strong desire Assistant District Officer within the races competitively with the West to return to the North in this capacity. West Metropolitan Police District Coast Masters Cycle Club.

36 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Liz Hayter (Lefroy 1966) Liz lives in Geraldton with her husband Mike and two children, daughter Amanda and son Tim. She worked as a dental nurse and her husband and son have a legal practice. They have three grandchildren and Liz is very proud of her grand-daughter Isobel Evans (2016) who has recently completed Dale Mackie (Adams 1966) Year 12 at PLC. She loved her days After attending PLC, Dale went to as a boarder and says: “We were all The University of Western Australia and one happy family”. completed her Bachelor of Science. Picture: Liz Hayter (Lefroy) with She left Perth in 1972 and lived mainly grand-daughter Isobel Evans at in Melbourne, as well as Adelaide and her graduation and Final Year 12 London, working in pathology. She has Assembly 2016. been married for 46 years and has two sons and a daughter. She continues to remain in touch with her school friends. Bronwyn Mark (1986) Bronwyn has settled back in to her Jennifer Lawrence (1976) for older people and people with home town of Mount Barker with her Jennifer grew up near the small disabilities, she was responsible two young children. She works at the town of Wellstead near Albany and for overseeing the building of new local college (K-12) in administration started attending PLC in Year 8 as a aged care infrastructure and a and is involved with the local supporting boarder. She became a day girl in $20m redevelopment of the Oats clubs and community events. Bronwyn Year 10 through to Year 12. Street rehabilitation service site. enjoys spending quality time with her She also established the children, including camping in the great Jennifer was appointed Chief Brightwater Research Centre outdoors. She reflects on her time at PLC Executive Officer of Brightwater and has published and presented with fondness, thankful for the strong Care Group in 2016 and is a research internationally. foundation it gave her, by building strong advocate for change and confidence and character, which has innovation in the aged care and Jennifer is a Graduate of the stayed with her throughout her life. disability sectors. Australian Institute of Company These important life skills she now She joined the organisation in 2003 Directors, a Member of the teaches her own children with pride. as the General Manager, Care Australian College of Health Service Annique Buckland (Lewis 1986) Operations, and more recently held Management and a non-executive Director of the Leeuwin Foundation. Annique graduated as a primary school the position of General Manager, teacher in 1990 and went on to teach in Disability, Research and Risk. She has three sons and considers Pingelly and Wickepin. She transferred With a solid clinical background herself fortunate in being able to to Medina, before moving to the UK in medical science, Jennifer has combine raising an energetic family where she lived and worked between a strong focus on innovation and with a fulfilling and busy career. 1994 to 2000. She met her husband technology, and considerable A passion for health and nutrition Shayne in 2000, at Susan King’s (nee strategic development and throughout her life now translates Sheedy) wedding. Annique and Shayne management experience. to active and adventurous holidays, have three sons - Alexander, William and a passion for the outdoors. and Orlando - who keep life very busy, Having a passion for science, she and she teaches music and drama at attended Curtin University and Hilton Primary School. studied Medical Science before graduating with a Bachelor of Michaela Brackenridge (1986) Applied Science, specialising in After completing a Bachelor of Arts Haematology and Biochemistry. at Curtin University and a Diploma Working for more than 10 years of Audio Engineering, Michaela at Royal Perth Hospital, Jennifer zigzagged between London, held a number of executive roles Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, in the private pathology industry, always returning to London. She has both locally and interstate, before been permanently based there for 11 moving to Brightwater Care Group years working as a video editor for the in 2003. Al Jazeera Media Network. As the organisation’s manager of business operations of services

www.plc.wa.edu.au 37 TARTAN NEWS

Sara Carroll (Fitch 1976) Patricia Mannolini (Gribble 1951) Patricia Bunny (1951 Crossing) Sara completed her Physiotherapy Patricia has special memories of Mrs Patricia obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree at WAIT (now Curtin University) Woodman and transition after her from The University of Western Australia in 1981 and a Master of Science Degree evacuation from Darwin and other and became a journalist in Perth for WA in Canada. She has worked as a evacuees in this class. Great Teacher. Newspapers, and in London. physiotherapist, a clinical researcher Alice Adamson (Whitaker 1951) She worked as an air hostess and an academic in the USA, and governess, before marrying Melbourne and Perth. Sara is currently Alice still treasures her close friendships Graham Bunny, a farmer. Patricia the Director of Students for the Faculty with Jenny Mills (Bunning 1951) and Jill also worked on the farm and wrote of Health Sciences at Curtin University. Crommelin (Meathrel 1951) who she met weekly columns on the lighter side of She and her husband Simon have four when they were in Kindergarten at PLC. farming life for 22 years. She has also adult children, Tessa (2004), Jackson, Diana Bowman (Richardson 1976) received an Honorary Doctorate from Greta (2009) and Fraser. Diana worked as a nurse in Katanning Curtin University. Christine Byrne (Barham 1976) (1981-1982) before moving to the UK and Patricia has been involved as a Dubai where she continued her nursing Christine married her childhood councillor with the Kojonup Shire for career for a year. She worked for Silver sweetheart Malcolm, who used to pick the past four years and enjoys her life Chain and the Broome Abbatoir (1983 – her up from PLC in his silver station on the farm. wagon when she was 15. They have 1984), before becoming a nurse at Red three daughters, Tara, 36, and twins Cross Blood Transfusion Service (1984- Crystal and Selina, 34. Christine now 1993). She then worked in the family enjoys spending time with her five business from 1993 and currently works grandchildren whom she sees regularly. at the Lions Eye Institute.

Malindi Haggett (2009) In 2010, Malindi started a Bachelor of Malindi has followed her dream of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at becoming a doctor since her time UWA, and in 2014 completed her fifth at PLC and is about to embark year of training at the Rural Clinical on the next journey of her career School of Western Australia in Karratha. after being awarded the esteemed She took a year off to complete Rhodes Scholarship to study at Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours Oxford University. programme) in the UK and was For Malindi, PLC’s ethos was all involved in diabetes research at the about participation and giving University of Bath. She returned to things a go. She felt school was a Perth in 2016 to finish her degree and safe place to put her hand up, to graduated in November. try new things and push herself While at university, Malindi developed Malindi describes receiving the beyond her comfort zone, a skill she a keen interest in health promotion and news that she was successful in her continues to thinks is very important education and was heavily involved application as a surreal feeling, – don’t be afraid to try and don’t in programmes such as the Australian with emotions of pure disbelief and be afraid to fail. Medical Associations Dr YES programme, immense excitement. providing education to high school She found great success with She hopes to complete a Masters students on various health issues. her sporting pursuits including of Science in International Health representing Australia in both Several teachers and friends suggested and Tropical Medicine at Oxford sailing and fencing. She was a she should apply for the Rhodes University with the long-term goal member of the women’s fencing Scholarship to follow her dream of to one-day return to Australia team that won a silver medal studying at the prestigious Oxford as a leader in public health, at Australian Youth Olympic University, an opportunity she couldn’t focusing on addressing some of games and bronze at the Junior pass up without having a go. the health inequalities rife within Commonwealth Games. the community.

38 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Lucy Cooke (2005) Lucy lives in Los Angeles, California where she works full-time in the film industry. She has had the privilege to work with some big Hollywood names including Director Alex Proyas, actors Vince Vaughn, Mel Gibson, Sam Worthington, Alicia Vikander, Sam Neil, Brenton Thwaites, Ewan McGregor, Geoffrey Rush, Andrew Garfield, and Robyn Nevan, just to name a few.

She is a proud third-generation PLC girl, following her Mum, Deb Cooke (Gamble, 1976) and Grandmother Bethwyn Gamble (Viner, 1950).

After finishing at PLC, Lucy pursued an acting career and won the Actors Equity Award for Best Newcomer in a Black Swan Theatre production for The Carnivores. She then changed direction and completed a double degree in Media Communications relaxed during their break, Lucy was and Behavioural Science at Notre cleaning the prison kitchen. Dame University, and a Masters in A woman saw Lucy on her hands and Professional Communications majoring knees and asked why she was cleaning. in Film Directing at WAAPA. She replied with “I’m here to work”. While at WAAPA, she worked as a The woman kindly offered to drive producer on a $75,000 short film Lucy home. funded by Screenwest, with veteran The chance meeting landed her an Mel Gibson. She worked closely with executive producer Tim White, famous interview with the director of one of the Mr Vaughn, who inspired her to move to for producing Australian classics such biggest budget feature films ever shot in LA to follow her dreams. as Ned Kelly, Cosi, Oscar and Lucinda, Australia, the $170 million Gods of Egypt. The producers from Gods of Egypt had and Two Hands, which launched Heath promised her a job in their LA offices, Ledger’s career. Lucy had a two-month trial with Fox Studios working with the world-famous but Lucy quickly discovered that LA is a Lucy went on to work as a production Alex Proyas, director of films such capricious place where promises are runner on Mr White’s next film, Son of a as I-Robot, The Crow, Knowing and not binding. Gun starring Ewan McGregor, Brenton Garage Days. She finally landed a job at visual effects Thwaites and Academy Award-winning company Rodeo FX. Lucy has just actress Alicia Vikander. She stayed on for pre-production, filming and post-production, working finished working on Game of Thrones She moved to Sydney, worked three 16 hour days as the go-to girl for Season 6 and the new Harry Potter film, jobs and sent her resume out as far and everything and the gate keeper to the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find wide as possible. director, on-call 24/7, sleeping in her Them as well as the fifth instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean and the latest After a year, Lucy landed a job working car or under her desk when she got series of Black Sails. as an usher at a production, written by the chance. a prison inmate and staged at a prison “I don’t get star-struck but when you see Lucy dreams of owning her own in Parramatta. Gerard Butler in a loincloth every day it’s production company incorporating virtual reality within ten years. Her Her job was to usher in the audience not hard going to work,” Lucy said. advice as a young woman in a male- and then help them back out to She then worked in the coveted position dominated industry is “never give up. their cars following the two-hour as Vince Vaughn’s assistant while Hollywood is ruthless and not for the performance. While the other ushers he was filming Hacksaw Ridge with faint hearted”.

www.plc.wa.edu.au 39 FOUNDATION REPORT

Vera Summers Summers Society shines bright

The tradition of philanthropy began ESTATE OF VERNA HELEN MARION at PLC in 1923 with an Olde English Faire ROWBOTHAM held to raise funds for those in need. Verna was the daughter of Founding Council Member This resulted in the establishment of the Cot Fund which, Professor Alexander Ross and his wife Euphemia (nee during World War II, became the Cot and War Relief Fund. Murchie). She started at PLC in 1929 aged eight and After the war, it became the Cot and Relief Fund, which was in the Leaving Class of 1937. She went on to UWA prevailed for the next five decades. and gained a Bachelor of Science degree before working in munitions in Melbourne during World War II. Over the years PLC has benefited from many generous bequests including those of Founding Council Member, She returned to Perth after the war and was Head of Donald Carmichael in 1941 and former Principal, Dr Vera Science at MLC for 23 years before retiring to Albany Summers in 1983. in 1980.

The Summers Society was named in honour of Dr Summers Verna was enormously proud to see Ross House, and was established as a means of thanking the PLC named after her father, established in 2014. Community who continue the philanthropic tradition She died on 11 May 2015, aged 94, leaving the bulk of by making a bequest or significant donation to the her estate to PLC. She specified this money should be PLC Foundation. directed towards the areas of Physics and Chemistry in Recently the PLC Foundation received two honour of her father, and the Foundation is pleased to significant bequests: honour her request by applying the funds towards the HUB and STEM programmes at PLC, which promote excellence in Mathematics and Physics. ESTATE OF THE LATE JOHN PHILIP BERNARD SUMMERS The PLC Foundation is an association of members of the John is an Old Haleian, attending from 1947-1951, but PLC community committed to the long-term financial the women in his family have, and continue, a very viability of PLC. long history with PLC. Members include Old Collegians; parents and relations of John’s mother, Meg Summers (McGibbon 1923), and past, present and prospective students; and others who are aunts, Mollie McGibbon (1922) and Rita Robinson supportive of the School, its contribution to the youth of our (McGibbon 1926) all attended PLC; Meg and Mollie State and the shared values for which the School stands. started in its early North Perth days and moved with If you would like to find out more about the PLC Foundation, the School to Peppermint Grove in 1917. In time, John’s please contact: sister, Margaret ‘Meg’ Mills (Summers 1947), attended PLC for five years and was a two-year prefect in 1946 Suzanne Pelczar and 1947. Meg died in 2005, having bequeathed Co-ordinator, PLC Foundation $50,000 to her old school. [email protected] 9424 6534

40 Blackwatch Summer 2017 Verna Rowbotham

ANNUAL GIVING DONORS 2016

We recognise and thank our 2016 Mr Peter and Mrs Gillian Fairweather Ms Philippa Mowbray Annual Giving supporters and extend Mrs Beverley Fitzgerald [Bird 1954] Mr John and Mrs Jill Mowson our gratitude to those who wish to Dr Timothy Gattorna [Harrison 1949] remain anonymous. Ms Andrea Gillett [1980] Mrs K M Paterson Miss Wendy Addis [1954] Mrs H P Gladstones Mrs J M Pennell [Hodges 1949] Ms Judith Amey [McCulloch 1962] Mrs J Green Mrs Suzanne Perryman [Somervaille 1963] Mrs Margaret Atkins OAM [Cusack 1947] Mrs D Gross [Chase 1958] Mr and Mrs D Quinlivan Dr P Bailey and Dr S Sia Miss June Hardie [1951] Ms Jennifer Rankin Miss Barbara Baird [1957] Mrs Patricia Hatch [Bailey 1953] Dr Jenny Rogers [1972] Mrs B Barrett-Lennard [Cook 1945] Dr Margaret Henderson [1932] Mr and Mrs S Rossen [Field 1980] Mr R A and Mrs J E Battaglia [Kirton 1963] Mr A N and Mrs D L Horrex Ms Elizabeth Saunders Mr and Mrs G M Bilney [McKeown 1963] Mrs M Stamper [Monger 1947] Lady Jean Brodie-Hall [Slatyer 1942] Dr Patricia Kailis Mrs L Stanes [Jenkinson 1946] Mrs G S and C Y Brown [Shields 1962] Mrs Elizabeth Kelly [Weygers 1963] Mrs V Thompson [Gardiner 1956] Mr David and Mrs Christine Burt Mr P L and Mrs L J Kerr [Webb 1992] Mr and Mrs G Triglavcanin Ms Paula Holmes Mr J Kopcheff and Mrs M Kopcheff Dr R Vaughan AM and Mrs E J Vaughan Hon June Craig AM [Lynn 1947] Mrs Anne Kyle [Jago 1948] [Overton 1962] Ms Joanne Cruickshank Mrs Julie Larkin [Sedgman 1951] Mr and Mrs A Wackett [Abbott 1984] Mrs Elizabeth Davies [Jensen 1952] Mrs Freda Livingston [Bunce 1949] Mrs S Wallman [Morrison 1949] Mrs Hazel Day Mrs B Ludlow [Harrison 1956] Ms X Wang and Mr X Chen Mr and Mrs Dale Douglas Mrs Anne Macliver [Bird 1952] Mr G Chen and Mrs W Zhou Mrs Beth Duncan [Blair 1946] Ms Barbara Marschke [McCooke 1953] 10 Anonymous Donors Dr Keith Barker and Dr A Durack [1963] Mrs R Martin Mr Kenneth Everett Ms F Meiklejohn FAR LEFT: The first Presbyterian Church in Perth c1900. This was built in Pier Street in 1882 and demolished c1906 for the construction of St Andrew’s. Courtesy State Library of WA. LEFT: Helen Garratt (Shipley 1970) with Patsy-Anne. BELOW: Ready for Church, c1956.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

WITH THANKS TO OUR papers for English, History, Industrial Libby Eustance (Past parent) ARCHIVES VOLUNTEERS History and Economics, Geography, Items and documents relating to the Biology, Physiology and Hygiene; Waterwise Garden stall for the 2005 Coralie Gadsdon (staff 1987-2008), who Parking sticker for the Royal Visit, 1954. Fair; items and documents relating to comes weekly and has spent a great the Walking School Bus 2006-2007. deal of this year taking a long-overdue Andrea Gillett (1980) Five c1977 Arts Festival prize pennants inventory of the Old/Prize Book Pat Voyer (Beatty 1939) awarded to Andrea for recorder Pat’s reference written by past Principal Collection. Coralie has also created a (music), clarinet duet, photo and craft; Dr Summers in 1945 and a letter terrific finding aid for this part of the Senior badge 1980; Arts badge c1977; apologising for it being so long in Collection. hat badge and enameled badge coming; a PLC issue exercise book; a Nancye Miles-Tweedie (Past parent), c1976; Australian Youth Music Festival section of white fabric. who comes regularly and moves (Melbourne) 18-24 July 1976; Stewart through a mountain of work with House badge. DIGITAL ACCESSIONS astonishing speed. Through this she Fran Taylor (Lyon 1959) has become very familiar with our Anne Brearley (Patterson 1966) Copies of Fran’s books Bridgetown, the Collection, which is of enormous help 15 assorted black and white images early years: Settlement of the Warren when retrieving or returning items. of Anne at School and with friends Blackwood Districts (Book One), 2014; She has also scanned the 1967-1969 1962-1966. Bridgetown, the early years: People of Kookaburras for digitisation, typed all the Warren Blackwood District (Book manner of correspondence and, as a Sue Ward (Lukin 1956) Two), 2015. 30 assorted black and white images working photographer, photographed of Sue at School and with friends the former Principal’s residence at 32 Elizabeth Vaughan (Overton 1962) (pictured). McNeil Street for Archives. Blue c1960 felt pennant. Chris Byrne (Barham 1976) Helen Garratt (Shipley 1970) Three black and white images of Chris’ RECENT ACCESSIONS ‘Patsy-Anne’, a rag doll Helen won in a mother Meryl Barham (Pritchard 1954). 1966 competition by picking her correct Leigh Lugton, sister of Joan Bottrell name. Originally clothed in cotton/lace Rev Stuart Bonnington, Minister of (Lugton 1955) pantaloons, a green pleated skirt and Scots Church, Fremantle 1955 Prefects’ Dance card; 1954 a red polka-dot blouse, Helen’s mother, 23 assorted photos and seven negative Kookaburra; 1955 Ferguson House Robina, soon made her a PLC uniform. strips of images relating to the history of book; Joan’s Ferguson House Captain Patsy-Anne then became a mascot - to the Presbyterian Church and the people badge; 1954 Order of Service for Helen and Ferguson House. She went to associated with it from WA’s earliest Empire Youth Day. every sports and swimming competition days (pictured). Wendy Addis (1954) and helped Helen (and Ferguson) to Robert Fox, son of Joan Fox 1952 Exam papers for English, French, win many races (pictured); 1966 and (Menzies 1942) History, Geography, Biology, Physiology 1967 Kookaburras; Helen’s hat band; 1975 Kookaburra and Hygiene, Domestic Science, c1969 engraved enamel tie pin. Arithmetic and Algebra; 1954 Exam

42 Blackwatch Summer 2017

FAR LEFT: Our oak tree today, recovering. LEFT: The single most significant piece of our Founding history when rediscovered, in 2014. Courtesy Cheryl Fletcher. Hopes in Saving the Single Most Significant Piece of Our Founding History

In our records a few years ago our by James Drummond; WA’s first relocate our Founding Oak withered Archivist, Shannon Lovelady, came government botanist and Olive ‘Dosh’ and died. across mention of a small oak tree Cusack’s great grandfather. PLC has Instead, we played our last card having grown from an acorn planted by educated most of the girls in the family. in an effort to preserve it in situ our Founders in 1915 to commemorate This tree is the oldest, most significant, under heritage protection. Shannon their establishment of PLC. still-living piece of our Founding history. investigated its heritage status with the In an oblique reference during one of National Trust, State Heritage Office Shannon contacted the Elders of St our jubilee celebrations, Prof Alexander and the City of Perth but there was Andrew’s who were very pleased to Ross implied the Founding meeting had no cohesive stance for our tree. Our know the poor tree’s provenance at last, been at Ormiston College in Palmerston strongest hope now lies with the City of having wondered about it for decades. Street, followed by the planting of the Perth’s Heritage Officers, who see the acorn. That site was bought by the For several years the site had been for enormous value in our tree’s cultural City of Vincent and cleared in 1965. sale, but there were no buyers on the heritage – not just to us but to WA’s When searching the site, Shannon horizon. Shannon asked the Council of early Presbyterian history - and will was surprised and delighted to find St Andrew’s if PLC could have the tree, encourage the owner to retain it. that instead of a new development, it and relocate it here. Council generously The change in ownership meant our was dedicated to heritage, with brass gave permission and we considered Founding Oak sweltered through the plaques and limestone blocks set into a number of potential sites for our summer of 2015-2016 with not a drop of the ground following the outline of the Founding Oak. water. That was until our dedicated tree original building’s foundations and To ensure a successful transplant surgeon checked on it and saw its sad explaining its history. a dedicated tree surgeon, who’s state. Dr Kate Hadwen then authorised With no oak tree in evidence and our grown to love his stunted, stubborn the treatment of its fungal infection centenary looming, the matter was patient, carried out root diggings at and for the poor thing to be fertilised. pushed to the back burner. its base and took soil, leaf, bark and We were rewarded a few months later sap samples. when the surgeon reported our tree In May 2015 she walked past St had experienced “a terrific flush of Andrew’s in Perth and paused to look His report was devastating; our tree growth which we were not expecting up at the sad exterior; its beautiful had black roots and a bad fungal until late August early September. It is stained-glass windows covered with infection. If moved during that dormant very encouraging.” For now, our tree’s plywood, the magnificent vaulted roof season, it would almost certainly die. health is improving. inside barred with scaffolding. We had no option but to treat it over the summer months of growth, improve its While the church is heritage listed and Then she saw an oak tree. It was only health, and schedule its move for when must be retained, albeit with a different about five metres tall, gnarled and very it went into dormancy once more in purpose, recent plans show a shiny, malnourished. She realised Professor May or June 2016. gold 61-storey skyscraper behind it. Ross’ recollection had been wrong. The Founders’ meeting was actually held at Had that gone to plan, it would Our tree might need a little help to survive St Andrew’s, not Ormiston. And it was have been relocated by now, but in these plans. As the provenance of our at St Andrew’s they planted that acorn. November 2015 the property was sold Founding Oak was lost with the death of The unusual location of the tree, directly to a Singporean developer - Global our last Founder (Prof Ross in 1966), we opposite the front doors of Government Premium Hotels, a division of Fragrance need to prove provenance to have any House, and expert leaf and bark Group. Those familiar with the story of hope of heritage protection. Shannon is analysis led to the strong possibility the items salvaged from St Andrew’s therefore currently sourcing old photos of PLC’s acorn came from one of the oak at that time will remember there was the front of St Andrew’s (1920-1970). If you trees growing within the grounds of a speedy settlement of just a few days. have any, please contact our Archives on Government House. Those oak trees With the approaching summer heat [email protected]. were grown from acorns originally making a successful relocation before brought to WA in 1829 on the Parmelia settlement impossible, our plans to

www.plc.wa.edu.au 43 OBITUARIES

Dr Anna Christine Alderson (Watson 1962) 27 April 1945 – 5 July 2016 Anna came to PLC as a tiny tot, two months before her 4th birthday, in 1949. She lived just around the corner at 140 Forrest Street and remained at PLC for her entire schooling. Here, she made to identify her beliefs in public. She many friends she retained for the rest continued throughout her life to be a of her life, but was particularly close to visible, and often vocal, advocate for Shirley McInnes (Gray), Dianne Jarvis those things she believed in.” TOP: Lifelong school friends celebrating their (Lovelock), Gillian Moore (Oakley), 70th birthdays together in 2015 with a trip to Anna was a Prefect in her final year, Wentworth Falls, NSW. L-R: Gillian Moore (Oakley), Helen Blair (Jeanes), Jill Gentle Secretary to the Music Club and inaugural Shirley McInnes (Gray), Dianne Jarvis (Lovelock), (Murphy, dec) and Joan Davy (Tuckey). President of the Student Christian Anna Alderson (Watson), Joan Davy (Tuckey), Many of these girls got together for a Movement Club which she helped launch Helen Blair (Jeanes). final gathering last year, collectively halfway through her leaving year. ABOVE: At school, 1962 L-R: Jill Gentle (Murphy), celebrating their 70th birthdays. Shirley McInnes (Gray), Gillian Moore (Oakley), On leaving PLC, Anna determinedly Anna Alderson (Watson), Joan Davy (Tuckey). Anna was part of the significant Watson learnt to touch type which, in those Front right: Judy Thomson (Robinson) family whose daughters have come days, was the realm of commercial through PLC since the early 1940s classes for those headed towards office At the time of her death Anna was and generations later, are still here work. But Anna’s foresight paid off and a respected lecturer in education at today. She was first cousin toMargot her typing skills stood her in good stead Curtin University. She was also Chair of Langdon (Watson 1951), Dr Patricia in her studies, academic life, and every Rise, a large community organisation Davey (Watson 1950), Robyn Foreman job she held. providing aged care, disability and (Watson 1962), Jill Bird (Watson 1966), children’s services in the eastern In time, Anna married Dick Alderson Jane Woodward (Watson 1970), Judy suburbs. It was a demanding role but and had sons, Hugh, who lives with his Molloy (Watson 1956), Janice Preston she was enormously proud of Rise’s family in Germany, and Mark, who is (Watson 1959), Marilyn and Dianne growth and development during the married and lives in Perth. Her boys Watson (1960 and 1962 respectively). time she was involved. were devoted to her and she was Her mother, Lyla, was a dedicated extremely proud of them. We were privileged to hear Anna’s and compassionate volunteer for the address during the 2004 Founders’ Day Anna’s doctorate in education was Red Cross and Lady Lawley’s Cottage service, during which we sang our School specifically on the social and policy by the Sea. She instilled in Anna an song, Land of our Birth. Rather fittingly, aspects and hands-on teaching abiding belief it was her duty to ‘do Anna’s friends believe the last words, experience in schools and universities. her bit and do it well’, even if that was “Head, heart and hand through years to She went on to provide educational making her superb coconut ice for be”, completely encapsulated Anna: each term’s tuckshop, in aid of Save opportunities for Aboriginal women Head - her intellect and erudition; the Children Fund or PMH. Combined and children in cities and remote with her generous spirit, this led to communities, including helping with Heart - her compassion and willingness an early commitment to social justice the children’s holiday programme at to share her emotions; and and community service and, later, an Mowanjum near Derby. Hand - hers reaching out to those esteemed career in education. Her life was spent improving others’ needing a bit of help. Beginning at school and throughout her lives; be they women fleeing domestic Anna was enormously wise and life, Anna’s faith was always important violence, seeking to extend themselves warm, generous with her time and a to her. Shirley McInnes (Gray 1962) in prison, or detained refugees, male passionate advocate for education. recalled when they were all wearing or female, seeking asylum. She was She enjoyed a robust discussion but their rather plain uniforms with isle also dedicated to her role in men’s was also willing to listen to other points stockings, laced-up shoes and Panama prisons as a trainer in the Alternatives of view. She loved circle dancing and hats. There was not much difference to Violence Project, a conflict was also a Soroptimist; but mostly Anna between the girls, but Anna stood out transformation programme, and was a superb educator revered for her at assembly as she always took her regularly spent a weekend in a regional enormous and selfless contribution to bible. “It was a sign of her quite strong prison helping men develop new ways her field. A woman deeply devoted to Christian faith and she had the courage to deal with anger. leaving the world a better place.

44 Blackwatch Summer 2017 LEFT: Three Stewart sisters at PLC in 1947 L-R: Betty Gaze (Stewart 1947), Anne Vivian-Williams (Stewart 1950) and Judith Nott (Stewart 1948). ABOVE: 1948 Prefects Back, L-R: Lesley Hooper, Jean Hayman, Katharine Brisbane, Ethne D’Arcy-Evans, Jeanette Davidson, Anne Robertson Front: Joan Stewart, Anne Giles (Head Prefect), Dr Vera Summers, Margaret Thomas, Judith Stewart (Absent: Helen Twine, Audrey Sutherland, Beverley Wilson)

Judith Erin Nott Nott (CCGS). The young family was to include six grandchildren and six (Stewart 1948) enthusiastic about their country life, great grandchildren. The rest of her particularly enjoying the many sporting time with spent with her beloved golf, 28 February 1931 – 26 April 2016 activities available. church, Bridge, travel which she loved, and meeting people. Judith was born at Gnowangerup, the Jane and Jennifer came to board at PLC second of five children of Wallace and in 1965 and 1966 respectively. In 1967 One of those people was her pen pal Barbara Stewart, including Betty Gaze Bill senior was appointed a magistrate Heather Emms, a young English girl (Stewart 1947), Anne Vivian-Williams and the family then moved to Perth. Judith began writing to in 1946 – the (Stewart 1950), Ian Stewart (OSC) and They settled in Irvine Street, Peppermint result of one of Dr Summers’ initiatives Susan Pye (Stewart 1962). Grove, enabling the girls to attend PLC – and their relationship spanned seven Judith received her early education by as day girls. decades. They wrote regularly, and finally met in the early 1980s when governess before attending Salt River Judith, a keen golfer, wasted no time Judith ventured to the UK for the first State School located on the family joining the Cottesloe Golf Club. From time. During the next 30 years, Judith farm at Glen Turret, Borden. In 1943, her first days as a member in 1967 she visited her another 11 times as, due to three weeks before her 12th birthday, served in a number of administrative health reasons, Heather could not make Judith came to board at PLC. Naturally, rolls and was Club Captain in 1974. In the trip to Australia. she was in Stewart House which had 1976 she was voted onto the been named for her grandfather, PLC Executive of the WAGLU, and Judith was one of PLC’s most loyal, benefactor John Stewart. While here, became State President in she was an all-rounder, excelling 1985. During the five years she interested and ardent supporters and academically, musically and in sports; held this position she was a was always a firm fixture in the many particularly hockey and tennis, playing WA delegate to the Australian social and fund-raising activities of in the A teams for both. In 1948 she Ladies’ Golf Union and served the School. was Secretary of the French and Music two years as Vice President. Clubs and also a Prefect. Judith’s knowledge of golf, the game Judith was one of PLC’s most loyal, On leaving PLC Judith attended UWA and the people who played, was interested and ardent supporters and and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, immense. She was enormously well was always a firm fixture in the many majoring in economics. respected in the golfing world and, social and fund-raising activities of in time, was honoured with three It was at UWA Judith met her husband the School. In fact, it wasn’t a function Life Memberships; at Cottesloe Golf William ‘Bill’ Nott, a returned unless Judith was there! serviceman, and they married at Club, Women’s Golf WA, and Golf WA. Nedlands on 22 December 1951. They Finally, in 2000, she was awarded the As well as loyal, Judith’s nature could be soon moved to Katanning where Bill Australian Sports Medal for her services defined as caring, thoughtful, gentle, began to practice law. Their three to women’s golf. compassionate, and kind. She passed away after a short illness, aged 85, and children were all born in Katanning: Widowed in 1980, aged just 50, Judith is sorely missed by all. Jane Walters (Nott 1969), Jennifer never remarried but devoted her time Etherington (Nott 1970) and Bill to her family which has now expanded

www.plc.wa.edu.au 45 OBITUARIES Helen moved to Perth in 1970 and four years later established Artlook. Published until 1982, it was a well-regarded magazine of the arts for which Helen received the National Critics Award for service to the arts in 1978.

Helen Myra Eliot ‘Peg’ Together they raised two daughters, Harper-Nelson formerly Jenny and Marcia, and two sons, Guy and Archie, and Helen instilled in them Weller (Irving 1938) their own appreciation and deep 2 June 1921 – 6 October 2016 understanding of literature, poetry and the arts. She also created a garden Helen’s father, Archibald ‘Archie’ described as one of the most beautiful Irving, was a talented poet and writer. and interesting in the district. During WWI he served with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion on the Western Front Helen moved to Perth in 1970 and seeing the worst there was to see and, four years later established Artlook. while away, wrote many poignant Published until 1982, it was a well- poems and letters home to his family, regarded magazine of the arts for describing his experiences. Throughout which Helen received the National and beyond Archie’s lifetime, his Critics Award for service to the arts poems were published in many books in 1978. and newspapers. In 1979, in partnership with radio Archie returned to Australia in late announcer and television host John 1919 and married Inez Needham in Harper-Nelson who she married in 1920. Helen, nicknamed ‘Peg’ from the 1993, she established Artlook Books, popular song ‘Peg O’ My Heart’, was later known as Access Press. Over the Helen Harper-Nelson formerly Weller (Irving 1938), c1940. their first child, born in 1921. Another next three decades she helped edit and three children followed; Elizabeth publish almost 350 books; many by Manners-Sutton (Irving 1939) in 1922, prominent authors such as her father We can attest to Helen’s delightful, John (Guildford Grammar School) in Archie Weller, Leslie Marchant, Hal naughty spirit! In 2006 she attended 1923, and Patricia in 1928. Colbatch and Nicholas Hasluck. Founders’ Day and gifted the Rev Archibald and Inez initially lived on As well as the arts, Helen loved and George Nisbet Dods Library with a the Irving farm, Bonshaw, at Kojonup respected heritage, and in 1976 she and copy of her son Guy Weller’s book, before settling on their own farm John dedicated themselves to raising Songs of a Goliard. It sat, unread, on nearby, ‘Burnfoot’. funds to save His Majesty’s Theatre the Library shelves until 2011, when it from demolition which, incredibly, had was brought to Archives. Our Archivist, Originally schooled by her parents been planned. She also owned the Shannon Lovelady, opened the book and through Correspondence, Helen heritage Union Maltings building in and was stunned to find the poems came to PLC as a boarder in 1935 and Palmerston Street, Northbridge, and within were not only filled with eye- received a Carmichael Scholarship. part of this she converted into The Old popping expletives but were also Her sister Elizabeth joined her in at PLC Maltings Theatre, which fostered the extremely graphic and sexually explicit. 1936. Both were fiercely intelligent like productions of small but thriving local If just one girl had taken it off the shelf their parents and drawn to the arts; theatre companies. in those five years, it would have been in particular and perhaps naturally, very well-read indeed, and we may literature, the thread of which runs At her home on the sprawling upper simply have assumed our girls were through the whole family. floor of the ‘New Maltings’ next door, taking an interest in poetry! Helen, she hosted monthly Perth Artists’ Club In 1941 Helen married Claude Weller who likely fretted at the lack of literary poetry readings. She also curated and they farmed at ‘Wonnenup’, material in the Library in her day, successful art exhibitions in which she Cranbrook. Older than Helen by a must have laughed and laughed at featured both well-established and decade, Claude was a tough, old- the possibilities! emerging, cutting-edge artists. school pioneer of the area. He had a This great and gracious lady, who tractor but was said to prefer ploughing Her adoring family, of which she was spent her whole life involved in the arts the old fashioned way. Claude enlisted an enormous, vital part, describe her community, published her last book at and served in Darwin and New Guinea as the enemy of political correctness, the age of 91 and retired to Geraldton from early 1942, at which time Helen vivacious and intelligent, energetic where she died aged 95. moved to Mount Hawthorn, returning and naughty. with Claude to Wonnenup after the war.

46 Blackwatch Summer 2017

Some Important Dates Semester 1 2017

JANUARY TUESDAY 31 TERM 1 COMMENCES Community

FEBRUARY Tours 2017 TUESDAY 7 OCA MEETING If you are looking to PARENTS’ COMMITTEE MEETING experience the unique SATURDAY 11 YEAR 12 BALL PLC culture and spirit, THURSDAY 16 PARENTS@PLC MEETING we encourage you to FRIDAY 17 PARENTS’ COMMITTEE SUNDOWNER join us at one of our TUESDAY 28 PARENTS’ COMMITTEE MEETING Community Tours.

MARCH A tour of PLC allows you to view our facilities, meet our Principal and FRIDAY 3 MID-TERM BREAK staff, see our girls in their learning MONDAY 6 MID-TERM BREAK environment and ask any questions FRIDAY 10 PARENTS@PLC OUTDOOR CINEMA EVENING you may have. To enable us to give you the best possible experience on MONDAY 13 OPEN DAY the tours, numbers are limited and FRIDAY 17 YEAR 11 DANCE bookings are preferred. SUNDAY 19 PROMS CONCERT AT THE QUARRY Junior School Community Tours TUESDAY 28 OCA MEETING commence in the Junior School Library at 9.00 am and finish at APRIL 11.00 am. TUESDAY 4 PARENTS’ COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday 14 February FRIDAY 7 TERM 1 FINISHES Friday 31 March FRIDAY 14 GOOD FRIDAY Tuesday 2 May Friday 9 June MONDAY 17 EASTER MONDAY Tuesday 15 August WEDNESDAY 26 TERM TWO COMMENCES Friday 22 September Tuesday 17 October MAY Friday 10 November TUESDAY 2 OCA MEETING Senior School Community Tours THURSDAY 11 PARENTS@PLC MEETING commence in the Auditorium at 9.00 am and finish before 12.00 pm. FRIDAY 12 YEAR 10 DANCE MONDAY 15 MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST Thursday 9 February Thursday 23 February THURSDAY 18 PARENTS@PLC ANNUAL TENNIS MORNING Wednesday 3 May FRIDAY 26 OPENING OF OCA ART EXHIBITION Thursday 22 June TUESDAY 30 PARENTS’ COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday 24 August Tuesday 12 September JUNE Thursday 2 November Tuesday 14 November FRIDAY 2 MID-TERM BREAK MONDAY 5 MID TERM BREAK TUESDAY 20 OCA MEETING SATURDAY 24 HEAD OF THE RIVER ROWING REGATTA TUESDAY 27 PARENTS’ COMMITTEE MEETING FRIDAY 30 TERM TWO FINISHES

JULY SUNDAY 23 PLC FARM2FORK PLC OPEN DAY 2017 Monday 13 March

Open Day is an ideal way to visit our beautiful campus, meet Principal Dr Kate Hadwen and learn what a PLC education is all about.

Tours are conducted by student guides to provide first-hand answers to any questions as you explore either the Junior, Senior or both School campuses.

Contact Allison, our Registrar, to book your place on 9424 6555 or [email protected]

For more details visit plc.wa.edu.au

Editorial Details Blackwatch is published for the community of Presbyterian Ladies’ College A College of The Uniting Church of Australia

14 McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove Western Australia 6011 T: +61 8 9424 6444 F: +61 8 9424 6466 www.plc.wa.edu.au

Please address all correspondence regarding Blackwatch to Publications and Communications Co-ordinator +61 8 9424 6475, at PLC or email [email protected]

CRICOS Provider Presbyterian Ladies’ College 00447B