MAY 2021 To Hold With Care - Perth College
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M AY 2 0 2 1 To Hold With Care
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Perth College is honoured to be situated on the ancestral Lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We acknowledge the First Australians as the Traditional Owners of the Lands we stand on and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders both past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the cultures and hopes of Australia’s First Peoples. Cover Image: Principal, Helen Aguiar, with Junior and Senior School students. Inside Cover Image: Year 5 students, Harriet and Madeleine. Heritage Editor: Kaylee Meerton Contact: kaylee.meerton@pc.wa.edu.au
Inside In AC K N O W L E D G E M E N T O F CO U N T RY 2 FRO M T H E PR I N C I PA L 4 I N T RO DU C I N G S PA RC 5 R ECO N C I L I AT I O N AC T I O N PL A N 6 JUNIOR SCHOOL NE WS 7 SENIOR SCHOOL NE WS 12 B OA R D I N G H O U S E 16 PE R F O R M I N G A R T S 18 V I S UA L A R T S 22 SPORT2 4 I N S I D EO U T2 8 S TUDENT NE WS 30 S TA FF N E W S 32 S PI R I T UA L I T Y 34 FRO M T H E F O U N DAT I O N 35 S PEC I A L E V E N T S 36 U P CO M I N G E V E N T S 39
FRO M T H E PR I N C I PA L
A Focus on Courage
“With courage you
will dare to take risks,
have the strength to
be compassionate,
and the wisdom to be
humble. Courage is the
foundation of integrity.”
– Mark Twain
This year, we are focusing on The determination of our staff has seen us
progress with the implementation of a new
courage – one of the School’s three
timetable and the introduction of sparc.
key values of capable, courageous The sparc learning framework is unique in that
and caring. Over the past year, we it has been custom designed for students in
have witnessed fear and intolerance Pre-Kindergarten to Year 10 to encourage them
dominate decision-making to the to think creatively and critically, work together to
solve real problems and contribute to the world
detriment of our world’s harmony.
by experimenting with entrepreneurial ventures.
In this inaugural year of sparc, we hope to see
In the words of Martin Luther King, “Darkness
our students grow their skills to serve them well
cannot drive out darkness, only light can do
in the contemporary world beyond PC.
that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can
do that.” Continuing to underpin all that we do is our
well-established InsideOut program aimed at
I spoke at last year’s Presentation Night about how
growing students’ self-leadership. In January,
the heart of Perth College came alive in 2020. I
we held our fourth Perth College Leadership
shared stories of support from our staff, parents,
Camp which was extremely valuable to current
and students as we worked together to combat
students and Old Girl mentors.
COVID-19 and keep our community safe. As a
school, we had the courage to face the unknown, We feel blessed to have the sparc framework
take risks, grow our compassion, and move to challenge our students to think differently,
forward together. As we began 2021, we found the InsideOut framework to help students
ourselves drawing on our courage and heart again grow their resilience and confidence as future
as we entered further lockdowns and devasting leaders, and the dedicated staff to lead our
natural disasters impacted many of our families learning and teaching. There is no doubt in my
and staff. mind the students who graduate from Perth
College are ready to face any challenge the
When making decisions, we ask ‘what is best
world might send their way!
for the students?’ Our care for them forms the
centre of everything we do, and it served us
well through COVID-19 as we transitioned with Helen Aguiar
ease into online learning and then back to
P R I N C I PA L
face-to-face learning. Despite the challenges
of 2020, our students were always capable of
achieving their personal bests and this was
demonstrated by the outstanding achievements
of our Class of 2020 across so many areas.
M AY 2 021
I N T RO DU C I N G S PA RC
This is
Experiences that spark passion, grow attributes and
build relationships to contribute to the world.
sparc
Communication Global
Awareness
AS A AS A
C ITIZE N LEADER
Creativity
who understands my who can collaborate, Are you ready to be one of our
place in the world and communicate and build Agency
the importance of my
contribution to it.
genuine relationships
to serve those
capable innovators, courageous
around me.
Critical
Thinking
Ethical leaders and caring citizens?
Understanding
Mental
AS AN 2021 saw the launch of a new learning
I NNO VATO R Emotional
Toughness
who solves complex
Intelligence framework called sparc aimed at
problems through
dreaming, creating and
helping students flourish now, and
Collaboration lateral thinking. Cultural
Awareness into the future.
Sparc provides students with
experiences that Spark Passion, grow
Attributes and build Relationships to
S PA RC I N 2 0 2 1
Contribute to the world. The focus of
YE AR GROUP FOCUS sparc is on growing a variety of skills
Pre-Kindegarten to Pre-Primary Discovering Identity and attributes through leadership,
Years 1 and 2 Exploring Belonging
citizenship and innovation.
Years 3 and 4 Building Relationships The framework is underpinned by
Years 5 and 6 Leading the Way positive psychology and provides
practical experiences to inspire and
Year 7 Making Connections
empower students to change the world!
Year 8 Building Strength
As part of their timetable, students
Year 9 Choosing Courage
from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 10 take
Year 10 Stepping Up
part in sparc every week, engaging
in learning experiences related to
service learning, discovering strengths
and identity, pursuing passions and
much more! The program was rolled
out in Term One, with students diving
headfirst into challenges and teamwork.
Dean of Learning Innovations,
Andrea Holloway, said sparc was
born out of a need to prepare
students for the future world
– a world for which jobs have not
yet been created and technologies
have not yet been invented to
solve problems that have not yet
been anticipated.
“We know they will need cool heads and
“Sparc allows students the space and time to big hearts to navigate this future world.
As a school, our role is to prepare our
explore their humanity of the world and to students for this future and sparc is
understand themselves and the needs of the that preparation,” she said.
world, beyond academic curriculum.”
5
R ECO N C I L I AT I O N AC T I O N PL A N
A Diverse Plan
For the Future
The Perth College community
is committed to its role in the
collective journey towards
reconciliation. Reconciliation
is beyond an idea, it is an
action, and we will continue to
INDIGENOUS STUDENTS DESIGNED AND PAINTED
empower our community A MURAL IN THEIR MEETING ROOM, NGALA MAYA,
TO CELEBRATE THE LAND THEY ARE FROM.
to embrace the journey.
Several actions have already been Tyla Bellotti said she was a “really
implemented, including flying the proud Indigenous young lady” and
A dedicated team of students, staff and
Aboriginal flag out the front of Main wanted to be a part of creating positive
outside community members worked
Reception every day, the establishment change at Perth College.
tirelessly last year to update the Perth
of a Bush Tucker Garden to encourage
College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). “It has made me feel really good
staff and students to learn how
becoming a role model… I’m hoping to
The PC RAP Working Group was run by native plants can be used for
see the younger girls now step up into
Principal, Helen Aguiar; Head of Senior food or medicine, and delivering
this role,” Tyla said.
School, Shani Andrews; Perth College Acknowledgements of Country across
Aboriginal Student Co-ordinator, Karol the School. Perth College Aboriginal Student
Guglielmana; Junior School teacher, Jo Co-ordinator, Karol Guglielmana,
Rebeka Morrison said she had wanted
Harmsworth; AISWA Future Footprints described the students’ contributions
to be a part of the process since the
representative, Lisa Fieldhouse; and as “invaluable” to the process.
last RAP was developed in 2013, while
Class of 2020 students, Tyla Bellotti, “It is a whole community approach
Molly Chadwick said she felt “really
Molly Chadwick and Rebeka Morrison. when it comes to reconciliation and
privileged” to be involved.
They met every month, working to the input from these three girls has
“This project made me feel
put together a viable RAP outlining been amazing,” she said.
empowered. It helped me learn about
a variety of actions to promote the
processes for the plan and… how it can
School’s commitment to an inclusive
change the atmosphere around the “It’s really easy to talk
environment and educate staff,
students and the community about
School,” Rebeka reflected. on behalf of students but
Aboriginal peoples as the Traditional “As a non-Indigenous student, I wanted not really know what’s
Custodians of our country. Thanks to help bridge the gap between
going on out there.
to support from Reconciliation Indigenous and non-Indigenous
WA, the final plan was approved by students and I saw this as a really good Through this process,
Narragunawali in August 2020. opportunity to do that,” Molly said. we’ve learnt a lot.”
M AY 2 021
JUNIOR SCHOOL NE WS
Welcome From the Head
of Junior School
The events of the previous Later this year, Year 3 and 4 students
will partner with a local volunteer group
year have galvanised the strong
to regenerate an area of bushland in
sense of community we have Coolbinia and, as leaders in the School,
at Perth College. the Year 5 and 6 classes will undertake
a Positive Impact Project aligned with
Through the values of care, courage the sustainable development goals.
and capability, the Junior School
students, families and staff continue This work indicates the power of the
to flourish in a Volatile, Unpredictable, voice of children and acknowledges that,
Complex and Ambigous (VUCA) world. as citizens of the ‘here and now’, they
have the capacity to make a difference.
In 2020, students from
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 engaged
in a variety of rich and meaningful Katie Petchell
experiences to develop the skills
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
needed to respond flexibly to
the unknown. A highlight was the
entrepreneurial opportunity afforded
to the Year 5 and 6 students through
the Maker Kids project (read more
about this on page 27).
This year, the sparc program has allowed
students to unpack what it means to
be a citizen, a leader and an innovator
– making an impact through acts of
service to think globally and act locally,
with this work currently underway.
So far in 2021, Pre-Kindergarten to
Pre-Primary students have considered
ways to support children less fortunate
than themselves through a connection
with a school in a disadvantaged area
while Year 1 and 2 students have
assisted residents of an aged care home.
“We don’t have to engage
in grand, heroic actions to
participate in change. Small acts,
when multiplied by millions of
people, can transform the world.”
– Howard Zinn
7
JUNIOR SCHOOL NE WS
Full
STEaM
Ahead
The future is bright for our
Junior School students who
have been learning new
skills in the fields of Science,
YEAR 4 STUDENTS CHLOE, MILLA AND
Technology, Engineering, Art ALIELAH OF THE 'INTELLIWHEELCHAIR'
STEAMOLOGISTS TEAM.
and Maths (STEaM).
Perth College students claimed a
Students were split into two teams
number of impressive awards last
and spent the year developing their
year in a variety of state and national
solutions to biofouling for the UWA
STEaM competitions.
Girls in Engineering and Oceanworks
While STEaM is a part of their Emerging Engineers Competition.
curriculum, students with a particular Both teams pitched their submissions
passion for the fields put their to a panel of judges via Zoom for the
knowledge to the test in competition final, with the Brainy
co-curricular activities, including Barnacles coming first for their excellent YEAR 6 STUDENTS ELIZAVETA,
ABIGAIL AND ELIZABETH OF THE
RoboCup Club, Marine Engineers research and solution, and the Bio 'HOPPY GO LUCKY' ROBOCUP TEAM.
Club and STEaMologists Club. Bosses getting an Honourable Mention.
The Year 5 and 6 teams in the RoboCup Two teams from the STEaMologists
In the same state competition, Cassidy,
Club worked tirelessly on their projects Club also won prizes at the Game
Valentine and Elizabeth of the iGlasses
after school every week preparing for Changer Awards, showcasing
team took out second place in the
the state RoboCup Junior Competition innovative solutions to real-world
Year 3/4 category and Chloe, Alielah
final. Five Perth College teams were challenges from students in Years 3
and Milla of the Intelliwheelchair team
tasked with using Mindstorm EV3 and to 10.
claimed first prize.
DASH Robots to test their creativity and
Year 4 students, Suria and Zara, won
problem-solving skills. Chloe, Alielah and Milla then went
Best Use of STEM in the Year 3/4
on to compete in the national virtual
Year 6 students Abigail, Elizaveta category for their project, Algal Bloom
competition which they said was an
and Elizabeth of the Hoppy Go Lucky Busters, while Year 6 students, Chloe
“awesome opportunity”.
team dressed up to race their robots, and Matilda, won Best Use of STEM
placing second overall. in the Year 5/6 category and also Junior School STEaM Co-ordinator, Jesse
received a Curtin University Shape Ussi, praised the students for their
Abigail and Elizabeth were also
Award for their project, ARMat. achievements throughout the year.
awarded for their work with the
Marine Engineers Club alongside The Algal Bloom Busters also took out “The girls showed teamwork,
Jamie, Alessia, Rose and Holly third place in the Young ICT Explorers perseverance, resilience, grit and
(Year 5), Chloe (Year 6) and their state competition in the Year 3/4 courage and they should be very
mentors, Matilda and Stella (Year 8). category, and ARMat took out second proud of themselves,” he said.
place in the Year 5/6 category.
M AY 2 021
Year 5 and 6 students
took part in the
A Lesson in
successful trial of a
child-friendly social
media platform
Cyber Safety
last year.
with DiGii Social
DiGii Social is an online site DiGii Social Founder and Chief “We’ve seen a real shift in the
Executive Officer, Claire Orange, problems of childhood – lots of
that replicates the challenges
described the site as a transformative children are online playing in a very
of a social media environment cyber education tool covering difficult and dangerous space with very
in a safe and secure way to everything from grooming to little supervision,” she said.
prepare students to use social graphic content.
Year 6 student, Sylvie, described DiGii
media in the real world. “The Artificial Intelligence on DiGii Social as an “amazing asset” to the
can catch racism, hate speech, classroom.
Students took part in 50 tutorials and bad language, photos that expose
challenges to improve their digital “It was a fun and interactive
too much skin or photos trying to
citizenship skills and help them better opportunity for our class to learn
be posted without consent. Little
navigate their increased presence in an about the essentials of online safety,”
moderators, DiGii characters, will
online world. she said.
pop up and show them what they
Students have access to lots of got wrong,” she said. “After the first week of the DiGii Social
videos on their own central primary trial, I already felt safer online.”
Claire said she was inspired to
dashboard. Teachers and parents start DiGii Social to contribute to
also have their own platforms with the preventative, proactive side of
access to content teaching them about children’s mental health.
different topics.
9
JUNIOR SCHOOL NE WS
A Focus on
Play Time
in the Early
“They are
researching,
investigating and
Learning
hypothesising all
the while they are
building things
Centre or learning new
skills and having
so much fun.”
There certainly has been a buzz Ms Carlton-Moyle said a key
component of creating such a unique
of activity at the Founders Early
and rounded education for young
Learning Centre recently! children at Perth College was the
learning environment.
With the co-educational
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten “The physical environment is set up
program in full swing, and the to act as a teacher to the children,”
popularity of the PC Playtime Ms Carlton-Moyle said.
playgroup continuing to grow,
“We value aesthetics and setting up
there has been a lot going on for
provocations in a way that reflect
our Early Years students!
children’s interests and developmental
With a focus on ‘holistic education’, needs and inspire them.
children in their foundational years
“Research shows the earlier you foster
at Perth College take part in service
a love of learning and build strong
learning, number skills, coding and
social and emotional skills, the more
STEaM lessons, as well as plenty of
successful children will be later in life.”
indoor and outdoor play opportunities.
PC Playtime was initially trialled in
From playing with sand and mud to
2018 and is growing from strength to
outdoor box construction, Early Years
strength. Children between the ages
Co-ordinator, Ally Carlton-Moyle, said
of 0 and 3 meet every Wednesday
those lessons were planned for in the
morning during term for
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
age-appropriate activities that
timetables as ‘Play Investigations’.
promote social, emotional, cognitive,
“The children are enjoying themselves language and physical development.
so much they don’t even realise they are
“It’s a beautiful, welcoming space for
learning these key skills that they need
local families to connect and it allows
for an ever-changing world,” she said.
us to offer what we do to more children
as an extension of our Early Learning
Program. There is lots of play, laughter
and fun,” Ms Carlton-Moyle said.
M AY 2 021“Play is the highest
form of research.”
– Albert Einstein
Places are still available for PC Playtime,
with enrolments not limited to Perth College
families. For more information, contact
enrolments@pc.wa.edu.au.
11SENIOR SCHOOL NE WS
It is the moments
of human
Welcome From the Head
of Senior School
connection that
reminded us
we are part of a
community that
is Capable, Caring
2020 was definitely a unique The development of our Off-Campus and Courageous.
Learning model means we are now
year. Never in my time of
ready to quickly transition to remote
teaching have I experienced learning should the need arise at any
so much disruption and time. Staff and students are far more
uncertainty. Yet, I was familiar with using technology to facilitate
I witnessed the love and care provided
constantly impressed by engaging virtual learning, conduct
by students to ensure their friend who
meetings, livestream events, maintain
people’s resilience and was ill got better, and the courage and
positive relationships and participate in
determination to bring positivity determination of that student to get
co-curricular activities. Whilst we hope
back to school because she desperately
and hope to a year that threw this doesn’t eventuate in the future,
wanted to be with them. I watched staff
many unforeseen challenges. we are well prepared for a seamless
and parents to support a student in a
transition, should we be required to.
time of great need and our Anglicare
Last year forced us all to be on our
What makes this community so unique Ambassadors raise over $8,000 to
toes, to think creatively and to come
and special is its ability to support support Anglicare WA’s Street Connect
up with new ways of doing things,
and look after each other during program for homeless youth.
which was very exciting. Whilst we
challenging times. In reflecting on last
were extremely fortunate to not be It was these moments and actions
year, it is not just the excellence in
impacted by COVID-19 like our peers of care and courage that sum up what
learning and teaching that took place,
in the eastern states and overseas, we Perth College is about and makes
or student participation and success
didn’t let the pandemic spoil our ability me feel privileged to be a member
in the many co-curricular activities
to come up with innovative solutions to of this community.
and competitions they worked so
problems that presented themselves
hard for – it is the moments of human
and learning to do things differently.
connection that reminded us we are
part of a community that is Capable,
Shani Andrews
Caring and Courageous. HE AD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
M AY 2 021Congratulating Despite a challenging year, the Class
of 2020 finished their Senior School
the Class of 2020 journey strongly and Perth College is
extremely proud of their efforts and
achievements.
The possibilities are endless for
Principal, Helen Aguiar, said students
the 2020 Leavers of Perth College.
showed “resilience, perseverance and
courage”.
Graduates are pursuing further
studies in a variety of fields from “I am delighted to see [them]
Mining to Medicine, Information rewarded for their perseverance and
Technology, Law, Criminology and determination – two characteristics that
much more! A number of students will serve them well into the future as
have also achieved their goals of they move forward as women who will
starting traineeships, joining the shape their own futures and positively
Defence Force or undertaking influence society. I wish every member
Vocational Education Training of our Class of 2020 the best of luck for
(VET) pathways. a joyful and prosperous future,” she said.
The possibilities
are endless.
SIAHN HOWATSON.
2021 Student Officials
Demonstrate Inspiring
Leadership
We Belong: Growing together
to foster an inclusive culture
we are proud to be part of. 2021 STUDENT OFFICIALS. ANNA JORGENSEN.
Student Officials have kickstarted “We are aiming to create a safe space
their year of leadership by establishing where students can share experiences, Siahn Howatson and
the ‘We Belong’ vision for 2021 and support their peers, and discuss ways Anna Jorgensen
implementing a new initiative, the we can all be more inclusive!”
Gender/Sexualities Alliance (GSA). Congratulations to 2020 Leavers,
Head of Senior School, Shani Andrews, Siahn Howatson and Anna Jorgensen,
The GSA is a predominantly said she was impressed by the “stellar who were awarded Subject Exhibitions
student-led LGBTQI+ and Allies start” the Student Officials’ had made from the WA School Curriculum and
support and discussion group that to leading the School and supporting Standards Authority (SCSA). Siahn
commenced meetings in Term One. their peers – a true show of PC values. received a Subject Exhibition for
“This year, the Student Executive and “The Officials have worked proactively Dance, while Anna received a Subject
I want to create a stronger sense to be positive role models for the Exhibition for Physical Education
of belonging around campus and younger students and instigate Studies. It was wonderful to see them
encourage inclusivity and acceptance,” new initiatives to nurture inclusivity, both acknowledged for their hard
2021 School Captain, Sophie, said. student voice and connectedness work and dedication.
across the School,” she said.
13SENIOR SCHOOL NE WS
I’m really enjoying the
co-curricular activities
because you get to go on the
bus and play sports against
other schools. The teachers
YEAR 7 STUDENTS EMMA, AMELIE, MADDIE AND ELLA.
are nice and everyone is
welcoming. I really like
Science because we get to
Year 7 Students
use Bunsen burners, which
is really fun.
– Emma
Settle into The teachers are really good
Senior School
and encouraging – they push
you just enough I find. It’s
really easy to make friends
Life
and the whole school just has
a really great vibe.
– Ella
It’s such a big transition
from primary school and you
The Year 7s started their and reflection and, in the early have to take so much more
weeks of Term One, they celebrated responsibility, but I like
Senior School journey in 2021
Palentine’s Day with a lunchtime group that. I like how it feels like
with plenty of energy and singalong alongside the Year 10 Student
less of a school and more of a
enthusiasm! Representative Council.
community and you can do or
Transitioning to high school can be Head of Year 7, Haylie Pepper, said the be anything you want to be.
a daunting experience but students students had shown a love for learning
– Amelie
have embraced the opportunities to since their first day.
form new friendships, move around “The Year 7 students started their
the School campus, get involved in the transition into Senior School with
many co-curricular activities on offer Everyone, from the girls
confidence and resilience. Staff
and navigate larger workloads with have been very impressed with the to the teachers, are very
encouraging teachers. enthusiasm and love of learning on welcoming and nice. I also
display in their Year 7 classes,” she said. like the co-curricular
During Kaya time, they have been
engaging in activities such as journaling
activities and I have
and goal setting to focus on connection joined PCNA, plus I like
Engineering and Cooking.
– Maddie
M AY 2 021Opportunities
for Adventure
A Break From
Every year, Senior School
students engage in a variety of
outdoor challenges and learning
the Classroom
experiences as part of their
annual camps.
In March, Year 8 students spent four
days at Nanga Bush Camp, while
Year 9 students spent ten days in
The camp was a fantastic Karridale. Late last year, Year 10
experience and everyone became students embarked on a nine-day
more independent. We had to journey based out of Walpole and later
make our own food, organise our this year, Year 7 students will spend
time management, and navigate four days at Nanga Bush Camp after
to each of our campsites. I’m sure their camp was postponed in April.
everyone will be talking about From rock climbing to raft building,
this camp for a long time as there hiking, abseiling, kayaking, tree-top
were many incredible and funny walking and everything in between,
memories made. students get the opportunity to learn
more about themselves and each
– Claire and Grace, other through adventure learning
Year 10 Camp 2020 challenges.
Co-ordinator of Service Learning,
Camps and Tours, Cameron Thorn,
We all felt like camp challenged us. said the experiences encouraged
socialisation, independence, teamwork
We tried lots of new things and we
and self-awareness.
are very happy that we got to do
these activities because they were “The program aims to promote
enjoyable, and we will remember increased self-esteem, motivation and
confidence by providing opportunities
them forever. Not only did camp
for attempting physically and mentally
challenge us, but we also got to see
challenging, unfamiliar activities in a
some amazing parts of nature do
supportive group atmosphere,” he said.
things that we can’t do in the city.
“It also fosters recreational activities
– Violet, Grace, Isobel, Gaby which are responsive to the natural
and Lucy, Year 8 Camp 2021. environment and help promote a
sense of personal relation with nature.”
15B OA R D I N G H O U S E
Overcoming
Challenges and
Celebrating an
Unusual Year
It has been a unique 12 months “My dad would ring a wind chime
outside to mimic the school bell,
for the Perth College Boarding
so I knew when to start online
House, with the resilience of classes and when recess and
boarding students, staff and lunch was. It was really cute.”
families showcased throughout After a total of four weeks at home,
multiple COVID-19 lockdowns. boarders returned in Term Two but
were subject to many guidelines to
In March 2020, restrictions were put in ensure everyone’s safety, including
place that meant boarders had just 48 locking visitors out and cancelling
hours to return home where they would co-curricular activities.
have to adapt to remote online learning.
But Tamsyn said there was nothing quite
Head of Boarding, Jill Miller, said staff like the happiness and camaraderie
had to think outside the box to keep that filled the Boarding House when
students engaged and ensure the students returned to school.
Boarding House didn’t “lose our sense
of community”. “It was such a hectic time but there
were some good lessons to learn. I
“We had to get creative. We started learnt not to take things for granted,
doing weekly challenges online which I know sounds cliché, but it
while all the girls were at home, like taught us to appreciate what we had,”
the Sunset Challenge, Pet Photos, she said.
Tidy Room Thursday and Recipe
Wednesday,” she said. Then, in February 2021, after just
three days back at school and with
Being at home during the school term celebrations of a new school year in “It’s been tough but there have
was a “tough transition” according to full swing, Perth went into lockdown been positives that have come from
2021 Boarding Captain, Tamsyn. again and boarders were quickly COVID-19. The resilience of those girls
“Going from the routine and structure sent home. really blew me away,” Ms Miller said.
of the Boarding House to trying to With previous experience behind them, Another one of those positives was
learn online at home was so weird,” students were evacuated in just over being able to celebrate the end of 2020
she said. an hour with families again showing with the annual Boarders’ Revue in
incredible strength and support. October last year.
M AY 2 021Boarders were joined by their parents
and staff for a wonderful evening of
food, drinks, student performances
and reminiscing.
“We didn’t know if we were going to be
able to go ahead with it but with a bit
of creative planning, we could do it for
everyone… It was incredible, it was so
fun,” Ms Miller said.
Tamsyn described the Boarders’ Revue
as the “highlight” of her year.
“We just wanted it to be the best
night and it was. It was really special,”
she said.
“Just the atmosphere of everyone
coming back together, families
catching up and chatting like they
hadn’t seen each other in years. The
boarding community has such a unique
vibe and it almost felt surreal.”
There have also been a variety of fun
and engaging activities on offer for
boarders so far in 2021!
Students have celebrated significant
days with themed dinners, including
Easter, Valentine’s Day and Chinese
New Year. They have had the chance
to visit other schools and meet new
friends at the St Mary’s Quiz Night and
Guildford Grammar Silent Disco.
There has also been an excursion
to the Zoo, Grandparent’s Chapel
and Brunch, workshops, arts and
crafts and opportunities to engage in
community service.
17PE R FO R M I N G A R T S
Lights,
Camera,
Action!
“The show was simply
supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”
It has been another impressive 2020 was also jam-packed with Year 7 student, Eilidh, who played
performances of Chitty Chitty Bang Mary Poppins, said her lead role was
year on the Judith Cottier
Bang by the Senior School in March an experience she would never forget.
Theatre stage, with Senior and Mary Poppins JR by the Junior
“The Musical was practically perfect
and Junior School Musicals School in September.
in every way. I love to sing and being a
delighting audiences. 2021 Dance Captain, Chelsey, said she part of Mary Poppins was a way I could
had performed in many Perth College do that, plus I got to learn new things
Earlier this year, a talented and
Musicals, but 'Chitty' was extra special. about acting,” she said.
energetic Senior School cast
performed Fiddler on the Roof under “With amazing set designs, beautiful “The Performing Arts opportunities we
the brilliant direction of Tyler Jones. orchestration, a fun-loving storyline have at Perth College are amazing.”
and, to top it all off a flying car, Chitty
“It was a joy working with the ensemble
Chitty Bang Bang was a truly magical
of students onstage, the orchestra, the
experience,” she said.
stage crew and Performing Arts staff,
with each member of the production The Junior School Musical was
team giving their full commitment to modified slightly to accommodate
the show,” Acting Head of Performing COVID-19 restrictions, but the show
Arts, Jane Artelaris, said. was still able to go on!
2021 Music Captain, Sarah, said Following weeks of rehearsals by
she felt honoured to play principal students in Pre-Kindergarten to
character, Golde. Year 6, Ms Artelaris described the
show as a “feast of singing, dancing,
“Our musicals and the Perth College
acting and acrobatics” and thanked
Performing Arts program open up
the staff and parents involved in
incredible opportunities to create
creating such a spectacle.
friendships, stretch your skills and, for
so many of us, bring alive dreams for “The students amazed the audiences
the future,” she said. with their courage, confidence and
skills,” she said.
M AY 2 021A Showcase of
Musical Talent
The Perth College Performing
Arts department provides
countless exciting opportunities
for students of all ages to
embrace their love of music.
Two of last year’s many highlights
included the Junior and Senior School
Choral Concerts and the combined
annual Aquinas College Concerto Night.
Held in September 2020 at the Aquinas
Chapel, Concerto Night saw several
Year 12 students give a variety of
mesmerising performances, including
classical concertos accompanied by
the PC/Aquinas Orchestra and solos
with the Jazz Band.
Acting Head of Performing Arts, Jane
Artelaris, described it as a “special
evening”.
“It was wonderful to celebrate the “Music is such a unique Year 12 Contemporary Voices and PC
Year 12 soloists’ skills and talent, and Voices member, Clarinda, said being a
it left no doubt that each of them had form of self-expression part of the choirs had grown her love
been enriched by their involvement in and it allows me to for and knowledge of music.
music,” she said.
connect with both the “The concert was a chance for all the
2021 Music Captain, Arwen, said she
audience and other ensembles to showcase the pieces
enjoyed collaborating to make music they had been working on both in
for Concerto Night. musicians from a person and virtually over Zoom calls,”
“There was such a diversity in different perspective.” she said.
repertoire last year. From full “Performing at PC is enjoyable because
symphonic solos to powerful ballads, In August, students took to the stage of the wide range of work we cover
there was music for everyone to enjoy,” at the Judith Cottier Theatre for the and the opportunity to collaborate
she said. Junior and Senior School Choral with students in other years who enjoy
Concerts, showcasing their wonderful singing and performing as much as
“I’ve been playing for the Year 12
voices to the Perth College community. you do.”
students at Concerto Night since Year 7,
so this year it will be really rewarding
to have the opportunity to play solo in
front of my family and friends.
19PE R FO R M I N G A R T S
Taking
to the
Stage
PC students showcased their
passions and talents for Dance
and Drama with a number of
mesmerising shows last year.
In August, Year 11 ATAR Drama
students took to the stage for their
performance of Animal Farm.
The production process, which was
specifically designed for the students,
created opportunities for them to gain
hands-on experience in a variety of “It was an incredible opportunity “With the feedback provided, students
theatre production roles. for schools to explore some very further developed their original
creative approaches to their works, works in preparation for their final
Students led every decision, from
including performing in performance at their WACE Practical
dramaturgical research to directing,
non-conventional performance spaces Examinations in September, where
acting, set, sound, costume, and
and experimenting with immersive they achieved incredibly well.”
lighting design.
cinematography,” Miss Sankowsky said.
In October, the annual Perth Speech and
“From the point of picking up the play
In September, the Year 12 Drama Drama Festival was held in a modified
text to delivering the final performance
students premiered their own Original format as a ‘Mini Festival’ for Year 11
moment on stage, the process was
Solo Performances (OSP) for the and 12 students, with Year 12 students
student driven. The 2020 Year 11
Year 12 OSP Night. Janella and Sophie, and 2020 Leavers Ella
ATAR Drama collective approached
Heary and Sarah Poli, all taking home
the whole project with incredible Family, friends and guest artists
prizes for their performances.
professionalism and, as a result, the joined the audience to see a variety
production thrived,” Dance and Drama of performance styles and characters Speech and Drama teacher, Deb
Academic Co-ordinator, Samanda written, designed and directed by Mitchell, said she was “delighted”
Sankowsky, said. the students. with the achievements of all the PC
students who entered.
Following that event, the IGSSA “The audience walked away astounded
Dance Showcase was held, looking a by the power of each work to challenge “Congratulations to all students
little different than usual. Each school their current world and thinking,” who participated in the Mini Festival
filmed their performance, with the Miss Sankowsky said. and gained personal success,
videos then combined to make a greater confidence and refined their
digital online showcase celebrating performance skills,” she said.
IGSSA Dance.
M AY 2 021Instrumental lessons online,
choir rehearsals via Zoom
and singalongs on YouTube...
it isn’t quite how you would
expect to learn Music at
school, but the Perth College
Performing Arts department
had to adapt quickly during
lockdown last year!
New Ways of
Learning During
Lockdown
With their creative thinking, Music, Fellow Music teacher, Christina
Dance and Drama teachers were still Maughan, also started her own
able to teach students to sing, dance, mini TV music show with the help
act, play and create online when of Mr Corvaia, who wrote her an
students were learning from home individualised theme song.
in 2020.
“It was like being a Play School
Staff made and edited their own videos, presenter,” she laughed.
created virtual recording tracks and
“It was totally different, but pretty
conducted more than 500 individual
funny. I basically found that it was the
instrumental lessons online each week.
best way to get the kids involved.
Music teacher, Gianni Corvaia, created
“But I was teaching to a blank wall
short videos on YouTube, describing it
while trying to be animated and leave
as an “interesting experience”.
spots for the girls to respond. I enjoyed
“I enjoyed the challenge of having it though because I had to get super
to quickly adapt and be creative in creative.”
providing lessons for the girls. My
main goal was to keep the content fun
“Being in my early years of teaching, “It went well for the
and engaging, through music games,
I take any experience as a good
Music department
experience and an opportunity to
singalongs and interactive activities,”
learn more and become a better overall. Everyone
he said.
teacher,” Mr Corvaia added. pulled on their
different strengths
and it was good fun.”
21V I S UA L A R T S
Artistic
“Art allows people to make
commentary on important issues
occurring in the world
Excellence
– 2021 Perth College Art
Captains.
at Resilience The 2020 Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 Art
Exhibition
Exhibition, titled 'Resilience', was based
on artwork inspired by the strength of
students during a challenging year.
Rather than focus on the negatives of “It showcases the progression of
2020, the Art department wanted to The Winners students’ artistic journey through
celebrate all the students had achieved Perth College.”
in spite of the difficulties they faced. Rebeka Morrison, Class of 2020
2021 Art Captains, Jenny and Madeline,
Principal’s Acquisition Art Award
Students, staff and families were joined said the possibilities were endless
by 2020 Artist in Residence, Tony Bellatrix, Year 3 when it came to what students could
Windberg, for the official opening of Artist in Residence Junior School achieve in Art.
2D Art Award
the Exhibition and to congratulate this
“We would love to encourage the
year’s winners. Phoebe, Year 6
younger students to have a go and
Artist in Residence Junior School
Visual Arts Co-ordinator, Nicole 3D Art Award explore with idea development and
Harbison, described the Exhibition as see where your creativity takes you,”
a celebration of Visual Arts across the Jessica, Year 12 they said. “There really are no limits.”
Artist in Residence Senior School
whole school.
2D Art Award The 2021 Art Exhibition will be
“The purpose of the Exhibition is to held in Term Three from Thursday
Bronte McCarthy, Class of 2020
celebrate the positive achievements 16 September to Sunday
Artist in Residence Senior School
and participation of our students from 3D Art Award 19 September. The official opening
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12,” she said. will be held from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Emelia, Year 1
on Wednesday 15 September.
Head of Junior School Art Award
M AY 2 021Artists in
While at Perth College during NAIDOC
Week, she worked with Aunty Beverly
and students to create a beautiful
Residence Share
painting entitled Our Place, depicting
the history of Perth College on
Whadjuk Boodja land.
Their Talents
For many students, collaborating with
an Indigenous artist allowed them to
feel more connected to the artwork.
“Being a boarder, it felt like a sense of
home," 2020 Leaver, Katie Heary, said.
Harrison is a Western Australian
artist who, through paint, constructs
figurative landscapes rich in symbolism
Perth College has been Tony is a South-West Australian and narrative, exploring the spaces
artist who, during his stay, worked
fortunate to host a number between cultural communities. He
with students to produce landscape informed and inspired Year 10 to 12
of acclaimed artists recently paintings that combined natural students for a week in Term One this
as part of the Artist in elements. Students were involved year, with new oil painting skills and
Residence program. in creating the materials to be used techniques. He also ran after-school
in replications of mini landscape workshops for Year 7 to 10 students,
In 2020, students had the opportunity paintings using earth, ash, charcoal teaching them about the use of colour,
to learn from Tony Windberg in and pigmented tree resins. tonal range and depth within their
Semester One and Loretta Egan in landscape paintings.
Loretta is a world-renowned
Semester Two. So far this year, the
Indigenous artist and proud Yamaji The Artist in Residence program is fully
School has welcomed Harrison See.
woman based in Western Australia. funded by sales from the Perth College
Under their guidance, they were able Queen Elizabeth II was even presented Art Committee’s Fine Art Exhibition.
to create collaborative and individual with one of Loretta’s painting during a This year’s Exhibition in March was the
pieces, and connect with art as a visit to Perth. most successful one yet, raising more
profession and discuss artistic ideas. than $120,000 in sales, with profits to
go towards the Art program at PC.
23SPORT
Year 8
Students
Kicking Goals
Impressive
Achievements on
Year 8 Physical Education lessons
were a whole team effort last
the Green
year with a program driven by
the students, for the students.
Our students’ golfing talents
As part of their own ‘World Cup’ were on show last year at the
competition, they were required IGSSA Stableford Competition.
to take ownership of their team
for the season and step into every 2020 Leaver Charlotte Hicks, Year 11
role required to run a ‘real-world’ student Kaela and Year 9 student Alice
community sporting competition. claimed the top three places, and Alice
Director of Sport, Lydia Padgett, said also took out third place in the overall
the format of the World Cup drew on Gross Score competition.
students’ strengths. Kaela had only been playing golf for
“Students who may struggle to attain one year when she placed second in Swimming
the physical and skill-related aspects
of soccer, can often excel through
the event, which was held during the
Term Three Mid-Term Break. Spirit at IGSSA
adopting alternative roles, such as “I was pleased to perform well
team manager. They can undertake representing the School and I felt really
some of the logistical tasks required proud of the way I played, particularly The IGSSA Swimming Carnival
behind the scenes to ensure the given I hadn’t seen the course before. in March was a wonderful end
successful running of the competition,” I am looking forward to play for the
she said. to the 2021 swimming season
School again this year,” she said.
with every PC team member
“Peer teaching becomes a feature as In her short golf career, Kaela has
students are highly motivated to help giving it their all.
also achieved a number of personal
their team and peers succeed, and accolades at her club, including Best
there are social benefits for students Many competitors achieved PBs in
Female Junior, Most Improved Female
through working with others in a at least one of their events and huge
Junior and Runner-Up in the Ladies
variety of situations.” improvements were seen from the
Club Championship – Gross Score.
beginning of the season to the big night.
“I’ve beaten dad a couple of times as
Congratulations to the Year 7 cohort
well,” she laughed.
placed third overall in their year
“I love the challenging situations you group pennant, and Year 7 student,
find yourself in playing golf, and how Luciana, who broke the IGSSA record
they are not the same every time. I also for the 50 metre Butterfly race with an
love spending quality time with my dad.” impressive time of 31.33 seconds!
M AY 2 021A Focus on
Wellness
in Physical
Education
In Years 11 and 12, students
take part in the Senior Student
Wellness program as part of
their Physical Education lessons.
They have the opportunity to
participate in a range of activities, from
Yoga to self-defence classes, Ten-Pin
Bowling and crowd favourite ‘Walk and
Talk’ around Mount Lawley.
“The wellbeing program creates a space
where students can take their minds off
the demands of school and simply relax
and enjoy their time together.”
“We believe it is extremely important
that girls have a balance between a
rigorous academic schedule and life
outside the classroom,” Director of
PC Runs Around
Sport, Lydia Padgett, said. Australia
2021 Sports Captain, Grace, added that
it was important to offer a variety of
activities for students to discover what
In 2020, a new initiative emerged
they enjoy.
out of COVID-19 challenging the
“By having such a diverse range of
Perth College community to ‘Run
activities, from Pilates to high-level
athletics, students are able to keep Around Australia’.
active and healthy and enjoy it at the
same time, making PE the greatest During Off-Campus Learning in Organiser and Head of Health and
subject,” she said. lockdown, students, staff and family Physical Education, Renae Campbell,
members were encouraged to continue said it helped to “keep the PC
“Students that want to build their skills exercising and log the kilometres they community spirit alive”.
and become stronger athletes are ran to complete the 17,558 kilometre
accommodated and students who want “It was terrific to see people running
virtual journey around the country.
to simply stay fit and have fun with for the first time and achieving their
friends can do this too. More than 250 contributors joined in own fitness goals,” she said.
the challenge, crossing the online finish
“We had entries varying from one to
line in November after many months
20 kilometres for some of our more
of hitting the pavement. Some staff
elite participants. Everyone could
and students had to work extra hard
make a contribution and that was the
to get the community over the line in
greatest achievement.”
the final days!
25SPORT PE R T H CO L L EG E N E T B A L L AC A D E M Y
PCNA Student
Leaders Shine
Celebrating its 12th year “I thank PCNA for all the opportunities
they have given me and many other
during the 2020 season almost
girls – from teaching us how to throw
wasn’t possible for the Perth a ball or helping us trial for Regional
College Netball Academy as and Metro League,” Haylee said.
the uncertainty of COVID-19 Late last year, PCNA
unfolded. also announced the
recipients of the
“The players were
Fortunately, when restrictions were 2020 Recognition full of enthusiasm
lifted, the Perth Netball Association
quickly put all the necessary
Award – Year 11
and this was
students Alexia and
requirements in place to ensure the Charlotte, and Year 9 reflected in their
competition went ahead. students, Emily and beaming smiles.”
PCNA Co-ordinators Anne Green Jorjah.
and Kerrilee Kenny described it as a The aim of the Award is to provide
“busy and frantic” time. greater opportunities for students to
“We had to adjust to many differences access a pathway for netball excellence
to teams, divisions, coaches, and ensure talented students bring
match days and times and windup their knowledge and skills back into
arrangements, but we did it. The first the program.
match of the new modified season Charlotte said the Recognition Award
was wonderful, the players were full of meant a lot to her.
enthusiasm and this was reflected in
their beaming smiles,” they said. “I always make sure I am at every
training and game so to receive this
Many of the Senior School students award shows me that my dedication
had to step up throughout the season doesn’t go unnoticed. The atmosphere
– some showing such impressive and connection between the teams
leadership, they were recognised and players is beyond a netball
with the coveted Commitment to association – it is a family,” she said.
Netball Award.
2020 was also a big year for PCNA
2020 Leavers and recipients of the as they hit the road for the first time
award, Blair Hinkley, Mikayla Buchanan, to host a regional sports clinic in
Haylee Nicol and Cate Devereux, Exmouth during the October school
displayed excellent sportsmanship holidays. Dozens of girls aged 8 to 16 This year, Fran Farrington has stepped
and were willing to help out whenever joined Ms Green, Director of Sport, in to take over from Anne Green as
they could. Lydia Padgett, and current students PCNA Co-ordinator, alongside
“These are exceptional students who for a netball clinic at Exmouth District Ms Kenny. We thank Ms Green for
have contributed to PCNA for several High School. It was a great opportunity her service and commitment to
years by coaching, umpiring and to learn new skills, and share the PCNA PCNA and the School and welcome
mentoring and being outstanding role program with the North West region. Ms Farrington, who has been involved
models to other players in the academy,” with PCNA for many years and is
Ms Kenny and Ms Green said. looking forward to a bumper season!
M AY 2 021SPORT RO W I N G
Reconnecting After a challenging rowing season last
year, there was plenty of excitement
With the Water
ahead of the 2021 season and teams
have been training extra hard all year.
Students put their skills to the test But it didn’t stop rowers from “Although it wasn’t quite the season
in the Perth College House Rowing continuing to train hard and work on any of us expected, the challenges and
Regatta in March and improved their their fitness from home. unexpected setbacks gave us a chance
techniques and fitness at Rowing to come together as a Shed. It made us
“I even hired a rowing machine to
Camp in April in what has already been stronger and ready for anything that
continue developing my skills and
a positive start to the 2021 season. comes in the 2021 season.”
technique,” Tamsyn said.
Last year things looked a little different
Mr Thorn said coaches put programs
as COVID-19 restrictions shut down
together for all students to use to train
the Shed just days before teams were
from home.
due to be announced.
“We also reached out to Old Girls who
Cameron Thorn, who took over as
were rowers to send some videos and
Teacher in Charge of Rowing in 2020
share their experiences, including
while Karlie Payne was away, described
Georgia Patten who had been
it as a year full of “uncertainty and
preparing for the Tokyo Olympics at
disruption”.
the AIS,” Mr Thorn said.
“We had just come into selections
When rowing resumed again, students
when COVID-19 hit. Many students had
were keen to get straight back onto the
been training over summer, we had the
water.
boats and the Shed sorted and were
in a good routine… when we got told to The Heads of Rowing from IGSSA
cancel everything,” he said. schools worked to navigate the
different requirements to host a
“On the day before the infamous 2000
modified race on the original date of
metre ergo that would decide our crews
the Head of the River in June.
for the season, the first of many COVID-19
regulations came into action, cancelling “It was phenomenal the way all the
our season before it even started,” 2021 schools collaborated,” Mr Thorn said.
Sport Captain, Tamsyn, added.
27I N S I D EO U T
“I am bold,
I am courageous,
I am capable
and I will remain
true to myself.”
Those were just some of the
inspiring words spoken by
Year 11 and 12 students at
the 2021 Perth College
Leadership Camp (PCLC).
While the four-day camp looked a little
Influencing Positive
different this year, students were still
able to immerse themselves in the Change at the
Perth College
unique program designed to develop
their leadership skills.
Under the guidance of BurnBright (who
were tuning in online from Sydney), PC
staff and Old Girl mentors, students
were split into six tribes and took part
Leadership Camp
in interactive seminars, team challenges
and fun activities to explore their values “Because it was a judgement-free zone Year 1 teacher, Sophie Vella, spoke at
and identity, build deep relationships where everyone could be themselves, I this year’s panel discussion and said
and practice resilience. learnt that everyone was fighting their she felt a real “sense of connection and
own battles. This helped me realise that warmth” with students.
The Camp encourages students to
you don’t know what someone is going
be brave and vulnerable enough to “I wanted to give a true and honest story
through and should never judge them
share their stories, better understand that the girls could relate and connect
because different aspects of life chip
themselves and each other and with and could carry the message
away at people differently,” she said.
learn how they can make positive throughout their life,” Ms Vella said.
contributions to the world. “It was lifechanging and I would
“My advice to them was that life is full
definitely recommend it to other
2021 PCLC participant and Year 11 of absolute highlights and difficulties,
students. The happiness you gain from
student, Poppy, said she particularly but you always need to remain true
the experience and the people you
appreciated being put into tribes to yourself, have self-belief and try to
connect with was indescribable and I
with different people she didn’t equally balance academics, social time,
didn’t want to leave.”
know very well. emotional time and spiritual time.”
M AY 2 021Kidpreneurs
Show Off Their
Flair for Business
Candles, bath salts, cat toys,
dog collars, heat packs and
jewellery – you name it, it was
available at the Perth College
Maker Kids Market!
As part of the InsideOut program,
Kidpreneurs in Years 5, 6 and 7 built
their own micro-businesses and sold
their goods and services both online
and live at a number of market stalls
last year.
There were a broad range of
businesses selling a variety of products
and services including scrunchies, slime
and fancy hairdos.
Students first took to the MKC Plaza
online marketplace in May to sell their
products, making more than $3,000
across 252 transactions!
They then held authentic markets
in September, which were filled with
students, staff and families all looking
to show their support and pick up an
impressive treat or gift.
Year 6 student, Poppy, started a 100%
recycled business, called Earth&co,
which turns plastic bags and recycled
tins into pot plants. Head of Junior School, Katie Petchell,
said the opportunity allowed students
“Maker Kids gives me and my friends
to “fail forward”.
a chance to create and manage a
business in the real world,” she said. “The focus has been on providing a real
and lived experience, rather than making
“We had the option to choose a
it easy through educators creating a
company to donate to. After watching a
clear path or resolving problems that
documentary about our environmental
arose in the process,” she said.
problems, my heart drew me to the
fact that we are losing our marine “The girls have delighted in the highs
population faster than ever, so I did of business, but at times also felt the
some research to find the Great Barrier challenge of negotiating with business
Reef Foundation and decided that I was partners or employees, managing time,
going to donate 20% of profit to them.” budgets and meeting market demands.”
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