Dear Parents,

This week was a definite IBO/PYP week. We started with a staff meeting to discuss the Programme of Inquiry with the goal to fine tune the Inquiry units that are offered to our students. Depth and breadth of the programme was critically assessed with some fabulous discussions about central ideas.

This was followed by a thoroughly PYP assembly from the girls in 4M. They shared with us their much increased understanding of Indigenous Australians. They reflected on the history, the issues and their building of relationships with the indigenous girls within our School community. The girls were highly successful in communicating their learning and enthusiasm.

Lastly, Alison Viney as PYP Co-ordinator, organised a shared PLC/Scotch, PYP Parents Information Evening. The evening was informative and successful in terms of providing a forum for parents and key teaching staff to discuss the programme.

On Thursday Janet Wilmot, Soni Bailey and Nadia Lewis will travel to Melbourne to attend PYP training courses on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Janet will focus on leadership, Soni on Social Studies and Science and Nadia on Global Perspectives, all within an international context and particularly how these relate to the Primary Years Programme. One of the benefits of being a school of the International Baccalaureate Organisation is the opportunity for staff learning and interaction with teachers from other regions of Australia and overseas. These experiences contribute to the collective wisdom here that is reflected in our teaching and learning.

The efforts of all who played a part in this week of reflection and learning is very much appreciated. The commitment of the teaching staff, the students and the parents is what will ensure our success as an IBO World School.

Wishing you a happy and relaxed weekend
Denise Mason
Deputy Head of Junior School

Parent Evening
Tuesday 12 June was the first combined Presbyterian Ladies’ College and Scotch College PYP parent event. The planning and presentation of the evening was the combined effort of Michael Rourke, PYP Co-ordinator at Scotch College, Christine Hill and Tania Skwirowski who are both experienced PYP practitioners and Alison Viney, PYP Co-ordinator at PLC.
The evening was planned as a general introductory session to PYP and modelled many of the essential elements, including a central idea and an inquiry model.

Central Idea: The PYP is a concept driven, inquiry based, transdisciplinary programme. Internationalism pervades everything that happens in a PYP school.

Key Concepts: Form (What is it?) and function (How does it work?)

We introduced the evening with Whoever you are by Mem Fox, a delightful story which reflects many of the IB Learner Profiles and which is written from a child's perspective and highlights some global similarities and differences in children. This was followed by an article 'The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme: An effective model for inquiry and integrated curriculum' by Dee Clements. Participants shared some extremely valuable and interesting discussion after reading the article. An activity, Mostly True/Mostly False, gave everyone the opportunity to use their PYP knowledge in a collaborative way. Then, if you had ever wondered how many teeth a fox has, Michael shared some excerpts from a book by Judith Wells-Lindfors which were about a young boy’s personal inquiry. After some reflection about PYP the evening finished with the new IB Learner Profile video clip which encapsulates the international element of PYP.

If you are interested in finding out more about IBO go to http://www.ibo.org or the direct link to the PYP website -  http://www.ibo.org/pyp/.

Debating
The Inter-School debating for Year 6 will be held at St Mary's Junior School on Thursday 28 June 2007. The debate will commence at 5.30 pm. A parent's handbook will be distributed to all debaters next week or visit www.gozone.info Supper is not provided, so please ensure the girls have something to eat prior to arriving at St Mary's.

Public Speaking
Public Speaking, scheduled for tuesday 19 June, has been cancelled. For information please see Mrs Sofield.

Outbreak of Head Lice
This is the time of year we are reminded of one of the most persistent, but least pleasant aspects of school life: head lice. Head lice persist, regardless of personal hygiene. When it comes to head lice, preventing reinfestation can only be achieved with up-to-date information, regular inspection, treatment and ongoing vigilance by parents. Click here for full information on how to identify and treat head lice.

Year 5 Band Programme Concert
The Year 5 Band Programme will be performing in the Junior School Hall Wednesday 20 June 2007. The concert will commence at 4.00 pm and should be over by 5.00 pm. Please park on the School Oval, off McNeil Street, and not on the Tennis Courts, as there will bw Netball games in progress.

Term 3 Co-curricular Sporting Timetable
Please find attached the Co-curricular Sporting Timetable. If you wish your daughter to participate in Basketball or Cross Country please complete the enrolment form and return to Junior School Physical Education.

Perth Netball Association Primary School Coaching Clinic
Please find attached an enrolment form for the July School Holidays Coaching Clinic.

Netball
Netball Meeting
Notes were sent home with Netball players on Friday 8 June informing parents of a meeting on Monday 2 July. If you did not receive this note please email Gemma Wood at gwood@plc.wa.edu.au.

Training
Due to IGSSA games being held on the PLC Netball Courts on Monday 18 June the following venue changes will apply:
Year 6 - Hugh Baird Sports Centre
Year 5 - Star of the Sea Church, netball court
Netta - remain on normal court

Lost
Mia Hughie-Williams (Year 4M) has lost her named blazer. If found please return it to Mrs Meyer's room.

Holiday Care
Please click here for an application form and rules for the July Holiday Care. For more information please contact Brenda Bishop on 0408 884 797 or email bbishop@plc.wa.edu.au

Notice of visit to PLC by Morris Gleitzman
Meet one of Australia’s (and the world’s) best known and loved children’s authors, Morris Gleitzman, when he visits PLC to present his latest novel Give Peas A Chance.
Wednesday 1 August at 7.00 pm
$5.00 per ticket.
More details next week.

PLC Golf Day
The PLC Auxiliary, Parents’ Committee and Friends of Boarding invite country and city parents, past parents of 2006 and Old Collegians for 18 holes of golf, followed by a light lunch and a drink at the Golf Club at which prizes will be presented.

Friday 6 July 2007
Mosman Park Golf Club, Marshall Street Mosman Park
Competition: 4 Ball Ambrose - $45 per head (includes green fees, light lunch, drink and prizes)
For more information please download a flyer: PLC Golf Day.

PLC Auxiliary
Change of meeting date
Because of the opening of the Science, Arts, Technology and Middle School building on 2 July, the next PLC Auxiliary meeting will be held on Thursday 5 July at 9.00 am in the Boarders’ Sitting Room. Parents who are normally unavailable for the Monday meetings might like to join the Auxiliary for this meeting. PLC’s Head of Middle School, Sharon Anderson, will be guest speaker. All welcome.

Entertainment Books
Close off date for Entertainment Book orders will be Friday 29 June. Thank you to all who supported this PLC Auxiliary fundraising venture.

Parents’ Committee
The next Parents’ Committee meeting will be Tuesday 3 July in the Boardroom Scorgie House.