Dear Parents

It has been a busy week as reports have been finalised, farewells have been said, we have finished off and tidied up and at last it is time for a holiday! As someone who has the opportunity to be out and about in the School, I can sense an air of expectation but also one of exhaustion. The children are excited about their holiday plans, about their parties for staff and students who are leaving and finishing off their portfolios. The staff are excited about their holiday plans, the fact that they have finished the semester’s work and reports and about the development that they have seen in their students. However they are all tired. One sees this in the playground particularly where tempers are short and young children are easily upset. The older girls manage this better but they too are weary as are the teachers. I know that a number of people comment frequently about the holidays teachers get and I won’t get into that debate now but am pleased that everyone on the staff here has the opportunity to get out of the School, away from the children and find some time for rest and relaxation. I made the comment in the staffroom today about teaching being all consuming. It is and therefore it is my belief that teachers need to get away for their own mental well-being. Most teachers will be back all too soon, planning and preparing for the semester ahead. The children too need time away from School and I am sure that many of you will have noticed your children’s behaviour indicating that they need a rest.

I hope that you too enjoy the break from the daily routine over the next two weeks. Travel safely, have fun wherever you are and celebrate your children’s achievements with them as you read through their reports. I wish you all a happy and fulfilling holiday.

With warm regards
Janet Wilmot
Head of Junior School

In your child’s portfolio you will find a copy of an article by Dee Clements. It is titled The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme: An effective model for inquiry and integrated curriculum. This article very clearly connects the many elements which combine to form the Primary Years Programme. If you have any queries or would like clarification of any points in the article please take the opportunity to email aviney@plc.wa.edu.au or visit me in the Athena Centre.

If you are interested in finding out more about IBO or PYP then please access the following website – http://www.ibo.org

Request for Art Talent
Are you a painter, a potter, a sculptor, a ceramicist, a wood turner or a fabric painter?
Next term the Kindergarten classes will be participating in an Inquiry Unit which is based on different forms of art. Julie-Anne Oke and Didi Caddy are currently seeking parents, with expertise in any area of art, who would like to share their knowledge and skills with a very willing audience.

Alison Viney
PYP Co-ordinator

Debating
On Thursday 28 June the Year 6 debating teams competed in their first Inter-School competition against St Mary’s. The girls should feel extremely proud of themselves as they debated very well and were excellent ambassadors for PLC. During the evening the PLC teams won five out of the eight debates. However, it should be noted that they only participated in seven debates and the opposition were Year 7 students.

The members of  our debating teams were:- Felicity Eustance, Brittany Rose, Madeleine Lofthouse, Caitlin O’Shea, Rosie Bradley, Tyla Cranswick, Isabelle Raiter, Robyn Stuart, Sam Brenz-Verca, Rebecca Cole, Maddie King, Emilly Hains, Miranda Quenby, Miriam Hedges, Annie Donaldson, Gabby Hitchen, Isobel Sklarz, Annabella Packer and Olivia Jurat.

All PLC debaters were confident, well prepared, began with an interesting introduction, had valid or researched arguments, engaged with their audience through eye contact and many provided personal anecdotes. These elements are important factors when debating and, when combined, contributed to the success of the teams. When they were not debating or chairing a debate the PLC girls provided wonderful support for one another.

New Term 3 Co-curricular Activities
Title:Fabric Painting
When:Monday lunchtimes (commencing Monday 30 July)
Who: Girls form Year 1 - 4 (10 places only)
Where: Kindergarten C
Teachers: Mrs Caddy and Mrs Meyer
Please see Mrs Caddy for placement and information

Title: Permaculture Garden
When: Lunchtime Day 2
Where: Year 5B Classroom
Please bring lunch, no gardening clothes required.

Title: Art Club
Monday afternoon: Contemporary Basketry using monofilament
Tuesday afternoon: Tiled mosaic panel
Wednesday afternoon: Hand-painted and beaded cushion

Places limited and by application. (fees apply to Art Club)

Title: IT with Mrs Dick
When: Tuesday
Who:Years 4 - 6
Please email tdick@plc.wa.edu.au or see Mrs Dick.

These are just a few of the exciting Co-curriular activites being offered next term. More information will be available in the first week of Term 3.

Holiday Programmes
UWA Sports for Kids Programme
Winter programme runs for two weeks in the school holidays for children aged 5 – 12 years. Visit the website www.sport.uwa.edu.au

Term 3 Sporting Timetable and Enrolment Form
If your daughter wishes to participate in Cross Country or Basketball in Term 3 please complete the Term 3 Enrolment Form and return to Junior School Reception by Friday 27 July.

Netball and Hockey
Parents are reminded that there are no Netball or Minkey fixtures over the three weekends of the school holidays and no training on Monday 2 July and Wednesday 4 July.

Staff are at school on Monday 23 July if any Netball teams wish to train on this day. Please contact Gemma Wood gwood@plc.wa.edu.au if the Netball team your daughter plays in wishes to train on this day.

City To Surf 2007
PLC Junior School families are invited to register and participate in the HBF Challenge to Schools, which is being conducted as part of the 2007 HBF City to Surf on Sunday 26 August 2007.

The Challenge to Schools is part of the Action for Healthy Kids programme and invites schools to enter a team into the City to Surf.  The PLC Junior School is participating in this initiative and parents, families, staff and friends are encouraged to enter as part of the School team.  Those registering as part of the team can register in different events conducted as part of the City to Surf.  These include a 4km walk/run or 12 km walk/run.

The City to Surf is the largest community sporting event in Western Australia so please consider being a part of the PLC team, while at the same time supporting the Active Foundation as the benefactor of the event. 

Entry forms will be available through the School at the beginning of Term 3, through class teachers and Junior School Reception.
For more details contact Julie Rose 0409 944 874.

PLC Auxiliary Events Coming Up:
Thursday 2 August – Cooking with Kirsty Demonstration with Food and Wine Tastings