Dear Parents
I wrote last week about the PYP Pre-authorisation visit that was to be conducted on Monday and Tuesday this week and am very happy to advise you of the success of this visit. We have yet to receive the written report from the International Baccalaureate Organisation but the verbal feedback that was given to Beth Blackwood, Deanna Graber, Alison Viney and me was most encouraging. There were certainly a number of commendations and some wonderful things were said about teaching and learning at PLC, about the students and the staff. There were a number of things for us to celebrate and we have been given the go-ahead for an authorisation visit in October or November. One of the comments that I appreciated was how they had seen our written policies and practices in operation for, as was pointed out, it is easy to write wonderful things in such documents but the real proof is in seeing them in practice. I think Tania and Ruth were both impressed with the manner in which our girls use their environment and work with such focus and enthusiasm without direct supervision. They were also impressed with the girls’ ability to engage them in conversation about their learning and how we personalise learning to meet the needs of our students.

It was also nice to know that the recommendations were issues that are under discussion already or areas that we are developing in the natural course of our work. We talked about our work in education never being ‘finished’ as our reflection naturally gives rise to planning for improvement, action and more reflection. We actually talked about so many things!

The whole experience was a great credit to a wonderful team, led by Alison Viney, our PYP Co-ordinator. Her writing about the visit follows this article. She thanks all involved but I can assure you that the biggest vote of thanks needs to go to her.

One and a half weeks and we can all have a rest. I can see that the children are starting to tire but let’s now put in a big effort for the Easter Fair that is next weekend. The last Fair was such fun for the School and local community and I am sure that this one will be even better. I hope to see a number of you at the Opening of the Art Exhibition next Thursday evening but, before we concern ourselves too much with next week, let’s take time to enjoy the weekend!

Janet Wilmot
Head of Junior School

This week has been a very busy but enormously rewarding. We have had our PYP Pre-authorisation visit which was conducted by Tania Lattanzio who is the PYP Associate Regional Director for the Asia Pacific Region and Ruth Adams who is the PYP Co-ordinator at St Paul’s Grammar School in Penrith, New South Wales.
During their time at PLC, Ruth and Tania viewed our Junior School and a formidable amount of documentation. They spoke with Junior School staff, a number of children, Junior School parents Principal Beth Blackwood and members of School Council.

Monday evening was our Junior School PYP Showcase. It was lovely to see so many children sharing their Term 1 learning with parents and family. Many people took the opportunity to view as much as possible which was very rewarding for the children and staff. There was a plethora of digital displays on offer throughout the School. It was possible to view recent Junior School learning experiences as well as past experiences and events. The Robotics display allowed many children and adults to explore some of our technology. The Athena Centre also displayed many of the wonderful resources that are now available. Thank you to all the staff, children, parents and family who contributed to the success of the evening.

National Walk Safely to School Day
National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is on Friday 7 April 2006.

The objectives of WSTSD are:

• To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular habits at an early age.
• To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.
• To ensure children up to ten years old hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.
• To reduce the car dependency habits that are being created at an early age and which will be difficult to change as children become adults.
• To promote the use of public transport.
• To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles.
• To reduce the level of traffic congestion.

WSTSD should not be seen as an isolated event, but rather part of a broader package of measures being implemented by governments and the community to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and health.

WSTSD is organised by the Pedestrian Council of Australia with the support of the National P&C Association, the Australian Primary Principals' Association and all levels of government. It is sponsored by the Australian Government. It is also supported by the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia and Beyond Blue. Further details about the event can be obtained from our website: www.walk.com.au

Over 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. WSTSD is an event which acts as catalyst to get children and their parents/carers to use more 'active' transport, by promoting community awareness of the need to walk more for better health.

In order to support this initiative we are encouraging you to walk to School with your child next Friday 7 April. For those who must drive, the suggestion is that parents and carers leave their cars up to a kilometre from School and walk to School with their children. This will result in additional physical activity for all concerned, personal training in how to cross roads and less traffic congestion and air pollution around the School. Next Thursday each child will receive a sticker to wear to School.

I realise that this is just a one-off but it does complement our Walking School Bus idea and we see walking to School something worthwhile to encourage where possible.

Athena Centre
Please note that all Term 1 student loans need to be returned by Friday 7 April.

Music News
A hearty congratulations and thank you to the girls who performed in the lunchtime concert for Tabitha Foundation on Tuesday. All groups can be proud of their singing and playing, as well as the funds raised through the gold coin donations for the Sausage Sizzle. Well done!

There will be no Petite Chorale on Wednesday April 5.

Class Photos
Please return money and/or photos by Friday 7 April to your class teacher.

Wings Dance Club
Wings Dance Club has finished for Term 1 Students will be notified of commencing date in Term 2.

Tennis Courts
Due to the PLC Fair, the School Oval and Hugh Baird Sports Centre will be unavailable next week and,therefore, the Physical Education Department will be using the Junior School Tennis Courts. This means there will be no any parking facilities on the courts from Monday 3 April to Friday 7 April.

Netball
Netball Uniform
Netballers are required to wear a white polo shirt and the PLC tartan pleated skirt for Saturday matches. PLC will provide tartan bibs with match equipment.

Netball training and selection of teams for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 students will continue on Monday afternoon on the PLC courts from 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm. Students will be notified next week as to which team they are in.

The Orioles Clinic held last Saturday was a great success with approximately 80 students from Years 3 to 7 participating.

Minkey
There will be no Minkey training on Wednesday 12 April.
Westside Wolves Hockey Club is hosting a Junior Player Clinic during the first week of the April school holidays. The clinic runs from Tuesday 18 – Friday 21 April from 9.00 am – 10.30 am at Cresswell Park, Swanbourne. Application forms are available from the Junior School Physical Education Office.

Walking School Bus News
Up to 25 children at a time have enjoyed 'walking the bus' to Manners Hill Park on Tuesdays and Fridays this Term.  Anyone from Years 1-7 and their siblings are welcome to walk after School along shady riverside paths on a route that finishes conveniently close to an ice cream kiosk and playground!  Just turn up - bags are carried by a (large) car!   

Leave from white rotunda by drive through at 3.25 pm.
Leave from tennis courts at 3.30 pm.
Arrive kiosk 3.50 pm (sometimes a little later).

We will only cancel the bus in severe hot weather or rain. Anyone with queries, parents who'd like to train to walk with us and anyone interested in re-starting the route to Jasper Green Park, Grant St Cottesloe, please contact Libby Eustance on 9385 0869.

• Ceramicists Pippin Drysdale, Angela Shelsher, (who have exhibited at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum) and the delicate fine porcelain of Angela Mellor.
• Prominent artists such as Marcus Beilby, Eveline Kotai, George Haynes, Giles Hohnen (whose works hang in the Australian National Gallery), Angela Stewart, Murray Gill, Leone Broadhurst, Waldemar Kolbutsz, Lauren Wilhelm, Jos Myers, Douglas Kirsop, Leon Pericles, Rob Forlani and these are just a few.
• Glass artists Jill Yelland, Mona Ketelsen and Anne Clifton.
• A collection of wonderful wearable art by textile artist, Dawn Mauldon.

This is an exciting collection of work not to be missed and will be a fantastic opportunity to view and buy artwork featuring well-known and emerging Western Australian artists.

6 April – 8 April 2006 Hugh Baird Sports Centre, McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove

Cocktail Party Exhibition Opening
To be opened by Natalia Cooper from Channel 9 on Thursday 6 April 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. Tickets $25 per person available from Sheila Robinson at PLC Community Relations 9424 6475 or email srobinson@plc.wa.edu.au

Other opening times:
Friday 7 April 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Saturday 8 April 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

PLC Auxiliary
Next Meeting
Monday 10 April at 9.00 am in the Boarders’ Sitting Room. Come along and listen to PLC’s Director of Community Relations, Chavaune Francis, talk about her experience as a Commonwealth Games volunteer.

Parent Ball - A Night in Shanghai
The Parent Ball, A Night In Shanghai, was a wonderful event. The PLC Auxiliary and the Parents’ Committee wish to thank Linda Fry, the Ball Committee and many others who assisted with the preparation and clean up of this magnificent effort. Thank you to the many families who lent items for the evening.

The door prize for the evening was kindly donated by China Red.

Lost and Found
A few items were found and a couple lost. Two shawls and one earring were found and these can be collected at Senior School Reception. One Canon Digital Camera and some keys were lost. If you found these or know where they might have ended up please contact Community Relations on 9424 6475.

We would love you to contribute by baking your favourite homemade cakes, muffins, biscuits, slices or cupcakes for us to sell on the day. All contributions are eligible for Amano and Vidlers gift voucher prizes. Cake boxes and drop off instructions are available from Student and Community Services or Junior School Reception. Please call Katrina 0402 072072 or Robyn 0419 916588 if you can help.

800 Years of Dominican Life
In 2006, the Dominican Sisters around the world are celebrating 800 years since they were founded by Dominic Guzman in Prouille in South France.  These women became the centre of prayer and support as Dominic and his travellers preached the ‘Good News’ worldwide.  Today there are 32,000 apostolic sisters, 5,000 contemplative and thousands of Lay Dominicans in 101 countries.  There are thousands of people who have been educated by the Dominicans or have supported the sisters in Australia.

The Dominican Sisters of Western Australia have organised several celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of their foundation. The first of these will be a gathering for afternoon tea at 2.00 pm, followed by Sung Evening Prayer at 4.30 pm on 29 April at Holy Rosary Parish, Woodlands. This will mark the Feast of St Catherine of Siena.  Further information can be found at www.domsiswa.org.au or by email to domsiswa@globaldial.com.au

Please bring photos or memorabilia to share and pass this invitation to your friends and family who may have been associated with Dominican schools or parishes here or in other countries.

Protective Behaviours WA (Inc)
Protective Behaviours WA (inc) are holding Protective Parenting Workshops that will teach the skills to equip your child for a lifetime of safety. Workshops are held at the Tompkins Park Community and Recreational Centre, corner Dunkley Avenue and Canning Highway Alfred Cove. Workshops are on Thursday 25 May and Thursday 31 August at a cost of $55 per person or $88 per double. Please ring Protective Behaviours WA (Inc) on 0409 071 068 for workshop bookings and further information.

Claremont Lifestyle Fair
Claremont Lifestyle Fair is on Sunday 2 April, in the Claremont Park corner Bayview Terrace and Stirling Highway, between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm. There will be gourmet foods, fine wine, craft and white elephant stalls, displays and much more. Entry is $2 or $5 per family with funds raised going to the Cancer Foundation.

School Dental Service
The Swanbourne Dental Therapy Centre will be closed on the following days:
Monday 17, Tuesday 18, Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April.
For emergencies please contact Yuluma Dental Therapy Clinic, Ambrose Street Innaloo on 9446 8990.

April School Holidays
PLC Holiday Care
Care is available during the April Holidays, excluding Public Holidays. Please download the application, programme information and events timetable . Bookings are essential and places are filling fast. For any enquiries please contact Brenda Bishop on 9424 6509 or bbishop@plc.wa.edu.au

Jamie Venerys Tennis Coaching Clinics
Two clinics will be held in the April school holidays at Mosman Park Tennis Club. Please contact Jamie on 0417 933 398.

24 - 28 April (9.00 am - 11.00 am) 3 year olds to 12 year olds.
24 - 28 April (4.00 pm - 6.00 pm) 12 year olds and over.

World of Energy
During the April School holidays the following activities will be available at World of Energy.

Tuesday 18 April - Friday 21 April
Kids in the Kitchen - hands on cooking. Four sessions daily 10.00 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm. Bookings are essential and numbers are limited. Suitable for children aged five years and over. Cost - $5.50 per child.

Monday 24 April - Friday 28 April (excluding Tuesday 25 April)
Forces - an entertaining science show presented by Science Alive, especially created for Pre-Primary and Primary school-aged children on holiday. Three sessions daily 10.30 am, 12.00 noon and 1.30 pm. Bookings are essential. Cost - $5.50 per child.

Other daily activities include: Ride the electron safety cruiser, go for a short ride around World of Energy's car park in a electric vehicle, make your own personalised badge and taste a sausage cooked in a solar oven. For further information and bookings please contact Chris on 9430 5655.

The following attachments are available in pdf (portable document) format.
Clicking on any of the links below will down load the document to your computer.

The Rewards of Reading pdf (132KB)