The Penrhosian No.65

Winter 2016 100003641

65

Inspiring girls: translating vision into action

June 30, 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of the State Government allocation of land known as the Collier Pine Plantation, to the then Methodist Church, for the purpose of a school.

Reflecting on the College as it stands today, it is evident we have come a long way from the little school in Angelo St, known as MLC South Perth.

Enrolments at MLC South Perth had grown significantly during the early 1960s, necessitating the Principal, Mrs Margaret Way, to seek an alternative location for the rapidly growing school. Mrs Way, with support from a committee of school representatives and the Methodist Church, sought approval from the government to be granted a portion of the crown land bordered by Morrison Street and Thelma Street. The group was successful in its application and construction of the school was able to commence in 1970.

The first groups of Senior students started at the brand new site in February 1971. By 1974, all year groups were together on this campus and now, in 2016, our girls are fortunate to experience the beautiful surrounds and facilities of today’s grounds.

The only remaining pines from that plantation are located at the Morrison Street entrance to the College and they serve as a reminder of our beginnings when we were known as Penrhos in the Pines. What an inspirational and visionary woman Margaret Way was!

The environment in which we all work and learn, which includes our wonderful campus, is one of our ‘Four Pillars of Inspiration’.

To inspire girls to become extraordinary women we focus on inspirational opportunities for our students through learning experiences that engage, excite and challenge, the staff who facilitate these, the environment and the community to which we belong.

During 2016, the Penrhos College Council and Leadership Team are taking time to review and evaluate our Strategic Directions and plan ahead for the next phase – 2017 to 2020. The environment in which we operate is continually changing: socially, economically, technologically, and we need to be able to respond accordingly. Meeting the needs of the 21st Century learner is very different from those needs of 50 years ago.

The non-negotiables in our Strategic Directions are our firm belief in: • the College values of respect, integrity, empathy, knowledge, growth, synergy • the Whole Person Paradigm of mind, heart, body and spirit • our Vision to Inspire Girls to Become Extraordinary Women • the means by which we translate our vision into practice through Inspirational student experiences Inspirational staff Inspirational environment Inspirational and enduring community Over time, and with the changing environment in which we operate, the idea of what is truly inspirational must continually evolve; so too, does the revenue and cost structure that sets the parameters that we must operate within. So, we are entering challenging and exciting times.

I am sure that as you read through the pages of the Penrhosian, you will see the myriad of ways in which inspirational translates from vision into action. Our girls are living proof!

Meg Melville PRINCIPAL

CONTENTS Class of 2015

4

Space Camp

7

Introducing our School Captain

8

Maths girls in China

9

Governor at MathsNight@Penrhos

9

Dramafest

10

Dance Showcase

10

Chinese Cross Cultural Performance

11

Year 12 French students

11

Japanese exchange students visit Junior School

11

Amanda Young Fair

12

Year 12 Site-Specific Dance

13

2016 Swimming Season

14

GRIP Student Leadership Conference

15

Scientist in Residence

16

Robotics girls take on the world!

16

Year 1s are busy little bees

17

Junior School STEM and Innovation Laboratory

17

Creative Arts and Design Centre

18

Artists in Residence

20

Penrhos College Library

21

Alannah MacTiernan on Gender Equality

22

Gender Equity

22

Inspiring Girls Seminar & Women in Resources Awards

22

Year 7 Boarders

23

Inspirational Teachers 2016

24

Thank you and farewell

24

Penrhos’ first pennant

25

Vale: Sue McCulloch

25

Care packs for the homeless

26

Act of kindness

26

Book Week supports Mowanjum

27

Books for Children in Care

27

Chaplaincy News

28

From the Foundation President

29

Foundation Bursary and Scholarship Recipient

30

From the Alumni President

31

Alumni events and reunions

32

A chat with Leila Jeffreys

34

Out and about

35

Alumni stories

36

Alumni events in 2016

38

From the Archives

39

Editor Melissa Mairata

Design Joanne Yong

Contributors & Photographers Emma Cornwall Joanne Yong Meg Melville SAGA Committee Vanessa Ma Julia Schwab

Print & Distribution Scott Print Cover photo Rob Frith (Acorn Photo) Proofreading Judy Fildes

Cover Year 12 students Madeleine-Rose Hughes and Laura Hicks, and Pre-Primary students Saaya John and Saoirse Fowler

CLASS OF

We are delighted to share with you the results of our 2015 Year 12 students. We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our 2015 Year 12s, especially taken in context with the broad range of co-curricular activities that these students involved themselves in. As a year group, they visibly embodied the mind, heart, body, spirit philosophy of our College. The academic accomplishments of the Year 12s were the result of dedication and sheer hard work throughout their

senior secondary years of schooling, especially in Year 12. Our academic staff worked extremely hard with the students both in and out of class, as teachers and mentors, to enable the girls to achieve to the very best of their potential. We acknowledge the support of the Year 12 parents in contributing to these excellent results. Each year we aim to achieve consistency in our WACE results and 2015 was no exception.

Here is a snapshot of the accomplishments of our 2015 Year 12 cohort • All 158 Year 12 students achieved the West Australian Certificate of Education (Graduation) • Penrhos College ranked 6th in the League Tables (Top 50 WACE Schools) • Penrhos College was ranked among the top schools in the state in the following Stage 3 Courses: Applied Information Technology, Biological Sciences, Design, Drama, English, Food and Science Technology, French, Geography, Human Biological Sciences, Literature, Mathematics 3AB, Modern History, Physical Education Studies, Politics and Law • Fourteen Year 12 students undertook Vocational Courses (VET) with 93% achieving a Certificate II or higher

CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION

CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION

Lauren Abrahams, Modern History Sophie Clarke, Human Biological Sciences Hannah Nichol, Physical Education Studies Hannah Nizich, Italian Tayla Read, Geography Justine Tanner, Geography Natalie Walford, English

Lauren Abrahams Sharin Attamimi Shannon Brunalli Charlotte Claudius Zoe Everett Evelyn Holt

Awarded to the top 0.5 percent of candidates based on the WACE course score.

Awarded to students who achieve at least 20 ‘A’ grades in WACE course units over Years 11 and 12.

Caitlin Hughes Hannah Nizich Ashleigh Parker Tayla Read Aleasha Sanchez-Lawson Lisa Smith

PRINCIPAL’S LIST

Congratulations to the graduates from the Class of 2015 who were added to the Principal’s List for achieving an ATAR of 95 or more: Lauren Abrahams Amy Appleton Grace Arangio Sharin Attamimi Eden Barlow Julia Beard Caroline Brady Holly Broadbent Eilish Campbell Sophie Clarke Amy Collins Megan Dodd

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Zoe Everett Kenya Forsyth Isabella Foster Evelyn Holt Courteney Home Caitlin Hughes Nigarish Hyder Chelsea Keesing Zoe Lang Cassandra Ma Holly Manson

Chiquita Minshull Hanna Nalder Georgia Ng Hannah Nichol Hannah Nizich Brittany Pallot Ashleigh Parker Bonnie Parker Georgia Pilbrow Amy Quinn Tayla Read

Louise Ritter Aleasha Sanchez-Lawson Hannah Sljivic Hannah-Paige Smith Lily Smith Lisa Smith Magdalene Soh Justine Tanner Natalie Walford Noelle Yip Sarah Young

GRADUATE SNAPSHOTS

ATAR PATHWAY LAUREN ABRAHAMS

ALTERNATE PATHWAY SHANNON BRUNALLI

How did Penrhos help you realise your goals?

My main goal in Year 12 was to achieve my personal best and secure my university preference; a double degree in Law and International Relations at the Australian National University. I am certain that I would not have been able to realise this goal if it wasn’t for the supportive and inspirational environment provided at Penrhos. After each assessment, my teachers would provide me with constructive feedback that would encourage me to push my capabilities and extend myself. The extra-curricular opportunities I was afforded such as mock trials and language exchange really helped me to broaden my horizons and discover where my interests lie.

Why was the alternate pathway a good choice for you?

The alternate pathway was the best choice for me as I knew the pressure and stress of ATAR would overwhelm me. I have always loved school and didn’t want my last two years of school to change that. With the opportunities the alternate pathway presented me, I was able to discover what I wanted to do once my Penrhos journey came to an end. This pathway enabled me to have a good balance between my studies and all other cocurricular activities I enjoyed. I would recommend this pathway to anyone who is unsure where they are heading post Year 12 as it gives you a taste of a work place environment and also a study environment whilst attending TAFE.

What are your future plans?

I am planning to go on an exchange to the United Kingdom in the second half of next year, so will be spending this year working part time to save up for that. I am not completely sure of what I want to pursue as a career but I am very interested in international law, specifically human rights. My ultimate dream would be to work for the United Nations, in a position where I would be able to combine my love for languages with my interest in the law.

What are your future plans?

Since finishing school I have started my diploma of Auslan (sign language) and I am absolutely loving it. I have now not only started to learn a life changing skill, but I now know where I would like it to lead me. Once I have completed my diploma I hope to either go into teaching deaf children or psychology, as there are no psychologists in Perth who can directly communicate with the deaf.

GRADUATE’S INSPIRATIONAL ENDEAVOUR At the 2015 Year 12 Final Assembly Zoe Everett was the deserving recipient of the Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award, which provides financial support to a graduating Year 12 student who would like the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary.

Upon graduating in 2015, I was awarded the Alumni Endeavour Award, and with this financial support I was lucky enough to head off to Thailand and spend time teaching in, travelling around and discovering an amazing country.

Something I am extremely passionate about is using the privileges I have received to help others who may not be as fortunate, especially in education. Through International Volunteer Headquarters I was sent to work for the Mirror Foundation in Chiang Rai. The Mirror Foundation houses and feeds volunteers from all over the world whilst they work on various volunteer projects.

My assigned project involved volunteering at the Watmaekum Wittaya School, to teach basic English and Math. The school held hundreds of boys from ages 7 up to 21, all novice monks; however it was severely understaffed. Although many Thai people live

in poverty, they possess the most generous, friendly nature, which is just infectious.

I was also able to be a student during my time in Thailand, learning many new things about Thai culture and Monkhood. Becoming familiar with the beliefs and customs of these Monks was a really eye opening experience.

For example, women cannot have any physical connection with Monks, which made teaching them the classroom game “Heads Down, Thumbs Up” almost impossible!

This trip reminded me to be grateful for the incredible opportunities I have been given, and just how important it is to help provide those opportunities for others. I will never forget the experiences I had and the many lessons I learnt whilst away, which would not have been possible without the Alumni’s generosity. I would like to thank the Alumni for giving me this opportunity; it was a truly life changing experience!

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CLASS OF 2015 DESTINATIONS We are so proud of the Class of 2015 and all they achieved. Earlier this year we surveyed our graduates to gain an understanding of their post-school pathways and study plans. With expert assistance from Careers Advisor Colleen Devlin, we achieved a 90% response rate, providing insightful data that helps inform future planning at the College. We are pleased to share the results of the survey below.

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING?

Architecture/Design 7% Visual/Performing Arts 7%

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2016?

Arts 4% Nursing 9%

Medicine 2%

Biological/ Environmental Sciences 9% Marketing and Communications 8%

Tertiary Study 85%

Commerce, Accounting and Economics 18%

Law 8%

Health Sciences 20%

Gap Year 5% Education 6%

Working 4%

Vocational Training 6%

Engineering 3%

WHERE ARE YOU STUDYING? University of Technology Sydney 1%

Australian National University 2%

WAAPA 2%

Bond University 2%

University of Western Australia 17%

University of New South Wales 2%

University of Melbourne 2% University of Sydney 2%

University Overseas 5%

RMIT 1%

Curtin University of Technology 35%

RTO / TAFE 7% University of Notre Dame 12%

Murdoch University 9%

Edith Cowan University 2%

Monash University 1%

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RESULTS SNAPSHOT The majority of girls have commenced tertiary study (85%), with 6% undertaking vocational education and training, 5% deferring tertiary study and 4% entering the workforce.

The most popular courses among the girls were: • Health Sciences (20%) • Commerce, Accounting and Economics (18%) • Biological/Environmental Sciences (9%) • Nursing (9%) The most popular destinations were: • Curtin University (35%) • The University of Western Australia (17%) • Eastern States universities (13%) • The University of Notre Dame Australia (12%) • Murdoch University (9%)

SPACE CAMP Reflection from Year 11 students Vanessa Ma and Julia Schwab

During the April school holidays 40 girls in Years 10-12 and four teachers travelled to the USA for the very first USA Space Camp and STEM Tour.

Our trip began in Orlando, Florida with a visit to the famous Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, where we learned about the fascinating world of space and got to see things that had been in space like moon rocks and the Atlantis Shuttle.

Over the next few days, we also experienced the thrilling sensation of indoor skydiving at iFly, an airboat ride at Boggy Creek in the Everglades, and on the last day, we went to Universal Studios and the amazing Harry Potter World. During this time, we even saw a real life rocket launch into Space.

Following Orlando we headed to Huntsville, Alabama where we spent the next six days at Space Camp, an intensive program that gave us a taste of what being an astronaut might be like. We faced numerous activities ranging from engineering challenges, such as building Mars Rovers and our very own rockets, to Scuba Diving and experiencing realistic space mission simulations, one of which even lasted three hours. At the end of the program, we all received our wings at graduation where Maths Mentor Captain Rebecca Walmsley won the ‘Right Stuff’ Award for her leadership. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye before we were off to our final destination, San Francisco.

In San Francisco, we visited many of the popular tourist attractions including the prison of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. We also visited the Exploratorium, a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits about all things science, art and human perception.

On our last day, although we were due to leave at night, we still had a full-on schedule. We received a private tour of Berkeley University

by Professor Quan, one of the founders of the World Mathematics Team Championships which some girls competed in last year, before going to Silicon Valley where we visited the big tech companies, Google and Intel, and shopped.

The USA Space Camp and STEM Tour was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us and gave us many opportunities, broadened our knowledge about STEM, and enabled us to try new things. It also allowed us to make friends with girls in other year groups who we may not have had the chance to talk to under usual circumstances. It was an amazing eye opener into what STEM fields were like and could promise in the future.

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INTRODUCING OUR SCHOOL CAPTAIN

Alisha McMullen

A Penrhosian since Year 5, Alisha McMullen brings a strong sense of commitment to others to her role as School Captain.

Alisha was recognised in January of this year for the significant contribution she has made to the local community, when she received the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 years. Alisha joins fellow Penrhos students Erin Robertson (2015) and Gillian Rackham (2014) as the third recipient of this prestigious award. Recipients must have shown active citizenship and made a significant contribution to the local community, through demonstrated leadership and a significant initiative which has brought about positive change and added value to community life.

Alisha received the award for actively promoting community service to her peers at the College and linking in with various community organisations in order to make donations to charitable associations. She also volunteered her time at Identity WA, supervising children with disabilities on outings, and volunteered at the 2015 Heart Kids Ball. Alisha has raised money for Lifeline, the Heart Foundation and for remote villages in Laos.

Member for South Perth John McGrath with Alisha McMullen. Photo: City of South Perth

Here Alisha tells us about what it means to her to give back to her community and shares with us her thoughts on leadership and her hopes for Year 12.

How did you feel when you received the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award?

I was very honoured to be the recipient of the award this year.

Not only does it inspire me to do more in the community, but it also encourages me to get others involved! All it takes is a few caring people and an idea to do something worthwhile, even if that something is simply giving someone a reason to smile.

them realise their full potential so they can be extraordinary in whatever they wish to become. I hope the legacy that we leave behind will be a strong one, and one that people admire. I want to bring more life to the college, and encourage the girls to extend their passion and enthusiasm out into the wider community, so that every girl contributes to this world as much as they’d always hoped to.

What are your thoughts on what it means to you to give back to your community?

The world we live in is one that focusses on the big picture; the overall scene. I think what is important are the details and the people. In the end, they are what create the bigger picture itself.

To give back to the community is not only a way to create strong connections and extend yourself, but also to instil happiness in others – and if you have the opportunity to do that, then by all means, I think you should take it! Small actions are what create big ones, and the community we live in is a great place to begin. One thing I have learnt is to just put yourself out there, because you never know what will follow on from that.

What has been your best experience at Penrhos so far?

That’s quite difficult, but one particular ‘experience’ that has really driven me to be the best I can be, would probably be the Laos and Thailand trip in 2015, which very much inspired me to lead. This was a tour over the course of about a month, which consisted of almost a year’s work of preparation, as well as trekking, exploration and working on a village Project in-country. The whole fundraising and preparation process allowed us to experience organisation and planning for a real life situation that not only impacted you, but also the other people in your group. It was student driven, meaning we handled the money, decided where we went and for how long, and what we wanted to do. And it was so enlightening!

It really made me appreciate each and every wonderful thing I have in my life. Hands down, one of the best months of my life. I made so many unexpected friendships, and each day felt so fulfilling. It really gave me an insight into how I wanted to feel every day of my life, which truly inspired me to come home and change myself for the better.

What do you hope to bring to the role of School Captain?

This year I hope to brighten the lives of others with the power to change things. I hope to focus on the details and perform small acts that people appreciate. I want to empower the girls and help

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A team from Penrhos was the first ever all-girls team to enter and represent Australia at the World Mathematics Team Championships (WMTC) held in November 2015 in Beijing, China.

MATHS GIRLS

IN CHINA

WMTC is an international mathematics competition that aims to challenge the mathematical skills of young people around the world and inspire them to continue their math journey. It also fosters teamwork and new connections between both teammates and countries. Since its commencement in 2010, WMTC has expanded to include countries from all over the world with new teams joining in 2015 from Egypt, Spain and Australia.

In order to prepare for this competition, the Penrhos girls undertook training sessions with Mathematician Dr Lloyd Dawe via Skype in the Library’s video conference room.

While in China, the girls participated in various activities including the competition, a mathematics social which provided an opportunity to interact with other students from different countries, and sightseeing for two days as part of a tour group.

Despite language barriers and a new culture, the girls thrived and embraced the new experiences, making friends with teams from other countries and learning new skills such as mastering the highly difficult ability to eat rice using chopsticks!

A member of the Penrhos team, Year 9 student Sophie Lee-Goh said, “I found it to be a highly enjoyable experience, as it was very different to anything I had experienced before. It challenged us and allowed us the chance to work with students from different countries.”

The girls collaborated and worked well as a team, vastly improving their ability to think critically and creatively in order to solve problems. In the competition, they managed to achieve a merit award, a fine achievement considering the competition’s level of difficulty and required skill that extended far beyond normal classwork.

Mrs Heather Wotherspoon, one of the teachers who accompanied the girls, said, “It was a fantastic opportunity for the students. They were pushed mathematically, saw some amazing sights in China and met students from all over the world.”

Governor at MathsNight@Penrhos Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO was warmly received as one of the guest speakers at the seventh annual MathsNight@ Penrhos last November.

Mrs Sanderson was a perfect choice as a speaker at MathsNight@Penrhos having supported the establishment of the inaugural Governor’s School STEM Awards in 2015, of which Penrhos was a finalist. The Governor’s School STEM Awards recognise the support and commitment of school principals and leadership teams in developing their school’s STEM education programs.

Following her address, Mrs Sanderson presented students with certificates and Pi badges to recognise their high achievement and participation in the College’s Maths Mentor Program and STEM Program. This included the presentation of the Dr Glenda Parkin Mathematician of the Year Award to Year 7 student Menu Gamage.

Mrs Sanderson was impressed by the number of STEM exhibits, from both the Junior and Secondary Schools that were displayed in the Rixon Foyer and the number of girls who gave presentations on robotics, EngQuest, Engineers in Schools and Penrhos Profs@Perkins.

Kellie Parker, Pauline Charman, Rebecca Walmsley, Sweta Samanta, Hon. Kerry Sanderson

Tess Clafton and Holly Cutts

Hon. Kerry Sanderson and Menu Gamage

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DRAMAFEST The 45th annual Interhouse Drama Festival, Dramafest was held on Wednesday 6 April in the Rixon Theatre. The four Houses competed for the title of Best Original, Best Play, Best Set Design, Best Production Process, Best Costume and Best Choreography.

Dramafest is a highlight of the school calendar and involves girls in Years 7 to 12 across drama, dance and music. The students involved in Dramafest invest many hours in rehearsals which take place throughout Term 1.

BEST ORIGINAL SPARTA BEST PLAY ATHENS BEST SET DESIGN ATHENS BEST PRODUCTION PROCESS SPARTA BEST COSTUME ROME BEST CHOREOGRAPHY TROY

DANCE SHOWCASE Dance Showcase is the biggest performance of the year for our Dance students. It showcases work from Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 Dance students, as well as the IGSSA Senior Dancers who will perform at the IGSSA Dance Festival in August, along with the IGSSA Combined Dancers.

Dance starts as an elective at Penrhos in Year 9 with a focus on popular dance styles such as jazz and choreographic work, as well as an introduction to contemporary technique.

Students in Year 10 learn a more in-depth approach to contemporary as well as Dance on Film and developing their own choreographic skills.

Dance is a WACE subject in Years 11 and 12, based on contemporary technique. Students develop their own solo as well as learn a rigorous set solo and develop their interview and improvisation skills.

Our Junior and Secondary School Dance students have state-of-the art facilities in which to rehearse and perform.

The College has two dance studios, with Colwyn Dance Studio boasting a sprung tarquet floor, projector screen which is used to analyse performances, a surround sound music system, two walls of mirrors and a changing area.

After perfecting their technique in the studios, it is uplifting to see the girls perform on stage in the Rixon Theatre at events such as Dramafest and the Dance Showcase.

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CHINESE

CROSS CULTURAL

PERFORMANCE Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important celebration on the Chinese calendar.

In 2016, Chinese New Year fell on February 8 and a group of Junior School students participated in the Chinese New Year celebrations of the Confucius Institute at the Octagon Theatre at the University of Western Australia.

Year 12 French students attend performance of Antigone - in French!

It may be a Greek tragedy but in early March our Year 12 French students attended a performance of ‘Antigone’ in French. Staged by the UWA French Club and Perth French Theatre, the majority of actors in the play spoke French as their second language. While the girls enjoyed seeing the production, they also experienced first-hand the level of French that can be achieved through its study at university level.

French teacher, Madame Sue Hampson said, “Students in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to use the language they are learning in real life situations outside of the classroom and interact with native speakers in preparation for tertiary studies and beyond. Attending this production of Antigone provided an excellent opportunity for language acquisition through practical immersion, which is an integral part of learning a language at Penrhos.”

Japanese exchange students visit the Junior School During Term 1, the College welcomed seven short-term exchange students from different schools throughout Japan. The exchange students shadowed their host sisters, attended lessons and spent three weeks living like a typical Penrhosian with their host families.

The students ranging from Years 2 to 6, gave a wonderful performance reflective of the work they have been doing in their before and after school Cross Cultural Chinese Classes.

The highlight of their exchange was a visit to the Junior School, where the Year 4 and 5 students played traditional games, made origami masterpieces and even sang a Japanese traditional song with the very excited exchange students.

Head of the Languages Department and Japanese teacher, Mr Scott Haddrell said, “Hosting exchange students at the College enriches our language program. It provides for international learning and fosters acceptance and understanding of different cultures and perspectives.”

The Chinese Cross Cultural Program introduces students and parents to many different elements of Chinese culture, including calligraphy, kung fu, language, animals and traditional dress.

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Each year in March the Student Council hosts the annual Amanda Young Fair supporting the Amanda Young Foundation.

The College has a strong affiliation with the Amanda Young Foundation, a non-profit community organisation dedicated to reducing deaths in WA from meningococcal disease. It assists survivors of the disease and supports the development of young people as future leaders. The Foundation was established in 1998 by Barry and Lorraine Young whose daughter Amanda sadly passed away at the age of 18 after contracting meningococcal disease.

Amanda was a student at Penrhos College and an avid rower.

Each year, the Student Council selects a theme for the day. This year’s theme was ‘When I Grow Up’.

For the first time the whole College was involved in dressing up and participating in the Fair.

The younger Junior School girls had their faces painted and bought goodies from the cake stalls.

A gelati van was on site selling gelati, sorbet and coffee to the older girls and to add to the carnival atmosphere, there were lucky dips, a competition to guess the baby photos of staff, fun fortune tellers, glowsticks for purchase and raffles. The most popular attraction was the dunking machine, where students had the opportunity to ‘dunk’ some of their favourite teachers. All year groups contributed to the success of the day by either dressing up for a gold coin donation or by contributing to, selling or purchasing things on the stalls.

The total amount raised by this year’s Amanda Young Fair was $5746.40.

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Margaret Way Courtyard the stage for

Year 12 Site-Specific Dance If the Margaret Way Courtyard could speak it would have many tales to tell so it was a fitting space for the Year 12 ATAR Dance students to perform their site-specific dance during an impromptu lunchtime performance last Term.

Dance Captain, Olivia Calleri said, “Site-specific dance is

designed to exist in a certain place outside of the traditional stage which is quite challenging. Sitespecific performance work is created in response to the particular site and inspired by elements such as its architecture, history and current use.”

Dance Vice Captain, Hannah Morcombe added that the theme for this year’s piece was how the school is transformed by the addition of students. She said,“It was a creative challenge to produce work specifically for the Margaret Way Courtyard, but we enjoyed the production

process, as it was something new that we have never experienced before.”

When a dance piece is conceived and choreographed in relation to a particular place, the location becomes as much a part of the performance as the dancer. Dance Teacher and Acting Dance Coordinator, Vanessa Best said the performance was designed to be unexpected for the audience.

The girls were assessed on the communication of ideas, choreographic skills, team work and contribution to the choreographic process throughout rehearsals as well as performance qualities and the written component detailing their choreographic planner. Their choreographic planner documents the choreographic process, ideas, observations, sketches, brainstorming and feedback plus reflections and evaluations about the process and final performance.

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2016 SWIMMING SEASON Swimming dominates Term 1 sport at Penrhos, with all girls taking to the pool either as part of their weekly Physical Education lessons, or to participate in the many carnivals held during the Term.

The Interhouse Swimming Carnivals are an opportunity for all students to represent their House with competitive races and novelty events designed to foster House spirit.

INTERHOUSE CARNIVAL

The Junior School Interhouse Carnival is always a fun-filled day with many parents attending to cheer on the girls. This year’s carnival culminated in Sparta taking out first place.

Athens won the Year 7-9 Interhouse Carnival and Rome took out the top spot in the Year 10-12 Carnival. Athens was victorious as the overall winner for 2016.

JIGSSA CARNIVAL

JUNIOR SCHOOL

SECONDARY SCHOOL

1 2 3 4

Years 7-9 1 Athens 2 Troy 3 Rome 4 Sparta

Sparta Athens Rome Troy

Years 10-12 1 Rome 2 Sparta 3 Athens 4 Troy

IGSSA CARNIVAL On Friday, 11 March our Secondary School swimming team competed in the IGSSA Swimming Competition held at Challenge Stadium. This is the first big event on the IGSSA sporting calendar. The Penrhos team battled hard all evening to eventually finish in fourth place. Head Coach, Matt Lyons said, “The theme of the night was to fight to the very end and we scored more points than the previous year thanks to this fighting spirit. This was a real team effort and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Following the Interhouse Carnivals, the Junior School students in Years 4-6 attended the JIGSSA Swimming Carnivals. These events are a wonderful opportunity for the girls to compete against other schools as part of the Independent Girls Schools Sporting Association. This year, our Year 4 girls were very successful, with Penrhos being crowned Year 4 champion school.

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1 2 3 4 5

St Hilda’s Iona Santa Maria Penrhos St Mary’s

988.5 947 923.5 872.5 863.5

6 MLC 829 7 Perth College 791 8 PLC 789

GRIP Student Leadership Conference On Friday, 11 March, students from all Year 6 classes attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The term GRIP stands for GENEROSITY, RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY and PEOPLE – core values that are integral to good leadership and closely aligned with the College’s Core Shared Values of Respect, Integrity, Empathy, Knowledge, Growth and Synergy.

Along with the twelve girls elected as Junior School Captains for the year, all Year 6 students take on captaincy roles over the course of the year. GRIP prepares the School Captains and Team Captains in practical ways to assume their leadership role.

The Year 6 students joined students from other schools across Western Australian to participate in a range of activities structured to teach them leadership skills that aim to positively impact others.

The 2016 Junior School Captains had this to say about the GRIP Student Leadership Conference.

I liked GRIP Leadership because it was very interactive and they gave lots of easy to understand ways of being a good leader.

Elizabeth Alchin Junior School Captain

GRIP Leadership was a lot of fun and I learnt skills that could help people, such as how to deal with bullying.

Ella Schabort Sport Captain

a leader. I had a great excursion, I enjoyed it a lot and the day taught me so many things that I hope has made me a better leader.

Alexia Zammit Athens Captain

I loved the GRIP Leadership conference as it was a time to socialise with leaders from different schools across WA. Isabel Hughes Chapel Captain

At the GRIP Leadership conference I learned to use ‘Traffic Light Leadership’. This means there is a time to go, to stop and to slow down!

Gia Mairata Languages Captain

I enjoyed GRIP Leadership because I found out that leadership is not about being perfect, it’s about being yourself.

Charlotte Gibbons Rome Captain

I loved the GRIP Leadership conference because I got to meet new people and learn more about the main qualities of being a leader.

Madeline Hooker Cross Curricular Captain At the GRIP leadership excursion we learnt many useful skills about being the best leaders we can be.

This great experience taught us how to help bring awareness to younger students in the College that they can count on us to help them with problems they are having in school.

Sophie Trainer Drama Captain It was very interesting and I would like to go again. I feel I have really learnt a lot.

Amelie Broadbent Music Captain

I thought that GRIP Leadership taught me about the foundation of leadership and how to be a better leader. It also taught me how to grow as a leader.

Rebecca Rudianto Library and Technology Captain GRIP Leadership was a great course that taught me how to be a better leader. It used traffic light thinking: red light - things that should be stopped, amber light - things that need less attention and green light things that should be continued.

Caitlin Stevens Visual Arts Captain At the GRIP leadership course we learnt some amazing skills about being leaders; one of the things they taught us was no matter if you’re a captain or not, you will always be

The GRIP leadership course was an encouraging excursion to help all the Year 6 leaders enhance their skills of helping Penrhos College become a better place. GRIP was an enjoyable experience which will help everyone become a better and more inspirational leader to the whole Junior School and Penrhos community.

Millie Hirte Sparta Captain The GRIP leadership Excursion was very informative and it gave me some useful ideas I can use as a leader. I especially enjoyed the ‘Stamp Out Bullying’ Campaign and I hope we can use some of the ideas in our school. The entire session was informative and entertaining.

Adele Mahoney Troy Captain

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SCIENTIST IN RESIDENCE DR ELLEN FORTINI The College was very excited to welcome Dr Ellen Fortini who has been working with groups of students throughout the school as part of our STEM initiative.

Dr Fortini’s own interest in Science began in high school when she learnt about the cells that make up our bodies, DNA and inheritance. She was fascinated by the fact that characteristics could be passed from parents to their children. Upon completing high school she undertook a Bachelor Degree in Genetics and then completed her PhD at the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research in the field of cancer research.

During her PhD studies she became interested in Science education and has since undertaken a Masters degree in Secondary

Science teaching. Her passion lies in inspiring students to engage with scientific concepts and skills, not necessarily so they become the next generation of scientists, but so they can develop critical thinking skills and apply these to real work issues in Science that they will face in their lifetime.

The Year 6 students participated in some research on microbiology which is Dr Fortini’s specialist field, while the Year 10, 11 and 12 students have been working with Dr Fortini in their Biochemistry courses.

As well as working with the students during class time, Dr Fortini has also engaged with the girls during lunchtimes advising them about careers in STEM.

RO B O TI C S GI RL S T A K E ON T HE W OR L D! Three Penrhos students, Katie Harris, Annabelle Harding and Sam Goh competed in a combined team at the First Robotics Competition held in Sydney during March this year. Their team made it into the final round of the competition which saw them qualify for an invitation to an international competition in April in St Louis, Missouri.

Touted as “the ultimate sport for the mind”, the First Robotics Competition is conducted under strict rules, with limited resources and over an intense six-week time period. Mentored by engineering students, the girls were challenged to design, build and program an industrialsized robot that was then used to play a difficult game against like-minded competitors.

Annabelle and Sam both travelled to St Louis for the World Championships while Katie was attending the Penrhos College USA Space Camp and STEM Tour so was unable to accompany her team mates.

Once in St Louis, Annabelle and Sam joined their team mates from Western Australia

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at a four-day robotics championship that pitted their skills against teams from all around the globe.

Describing the experience, Sam Goh said, “The competition in St Louis, Missouri was an amazing experience especially being able to see and learn from the 600 other teams that qualified. The actual competition was an action-packed few days where we had to rebuild our robot in less than a day with some fierce competition in the matches.”

Annabelle Harding

Annabelle Harding added, “The World Championships for FIRST Robotics has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being able to see all of the designs people had come up with, to learning about the different ways in which they tackled the problem, to all the great people I encountered from all over the world, was a great experience. I have learnt so much during the process about robotics and innovative ways to solve problems on the go. I can’t wait for the next season and the challenges that it will bring!”

Winter 2016 Sam Goh

Year 1s are busy little bees BeeBots are small programmable robots suitable for younger learners.

During Term 1, some of the youngest members of our school had great fun with these little robots under the guidance of teacher Fleur Cagnana, who has been leading coding sessions with the Year 1 students.

Students were engaged in a range of activities requiring them to develop spatial awareness and direction, and a sequence of codes for the robots to follow. The challenges incorporated numeracy and literacy skills such as shape recognition and story retelling.

The girls were always very excited when the BeeBots came out and very engaged in the process. As the photos show, there is always a mix of deep concentration and smiles on their faces.

The Year 1 students had this to say about using the BeeBots: “We learn about using directions by telling the BeeBots where to go.” Ellie “We like watching the BeeBots get to the places that we were planning for them to go.” Kaitlyn “The BeeBots are fun because when they move their eyes light up.” Alexa “They teach us the difference between left and right.” Madeleine “The Beebots help us to think and use our brains because you have to think carefully about the buttons to press for them to get to the place.” Chloe N. “We used the Beebots to move to different 2D shapes on the mat after being given clues by Miss Cagnana about the features of the 2D shape.” Yintong

New Junior School STEM and Innovation Laboratory up and running There has been much excitement in the Junior School with the students now having access to their very own Junior School STEM and Innovation Laboratory! This addition to Junior School demonstrates the College’s commitment to continuing to grow the STEM opportunities on offer at Penrhos in the formative years of our students’ education.

A report released this year by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) into STEM education in Australian primary schools entitled ‘Making STEM a Primary Priority: Practical steps to improve the quality of Science and Mathematics teaching in Australian Primary Schools’, revealed that many indicators point to systemic underachievement in STEM education in primary schools. The report stated that, “In recent

years, the performance of Australian students on international tests of science and mathematics attainment has declined in absolute and relative terms.”

In order to ensure our girls are equipped with the STEM skills, knowledge and curiosity required to succeed in a rapidly changing world, the Junior School teachers are using the new STEM and Innovation Laboratory to engage the students within an environment that is conducive to innovation in teaching and learning.

Year 6 teacher and STEM Co-ordinator, Mrs Suzi Herbert said, “We know from international and Australian research that building STEM capacity is critical in helping to support innovation and productivity, and that employers of the future will be

looking for employees that are STEM literate.”

The College has many wonderful STEM initiatives operating across the school.

In the Junior School we have been focussing on mapping out our engagement in these areas, including scoping and sequencing these from the early years of Kindergarten through to the final years of primary school. We are confident that the opportunities we are providing to our students will lay the foundations that will help to prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.”

View the PwC report online at: www.pwc.com/gx/en/governmentpublic-services/assets/pwc-makingstem-primary-priority.pdf Winter 2016

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An inspirational environment in which to

On the evening of Friday 1 April the College community gathered for the official opening of the newly completed Creative Arts and Design Centre (CADC) – a building that celebrates creativity, design and technology in the pursuit of the creative arts at Penrhos College.

This beautiful new facility accommodates our Photography and Media Department, our Art Department and our Food, Textile Technology Department. Space has also been set aside within the building for our future STEM Laboratory.

The purpose-built centre provides our students with access to state-of-the-art facilities in which to inspire their interests in food, textiles, art, design and technology.

Aboriginal Elder and academic, Associate Professor Simon Forrest, commenced the official opening ceremony with a Welcome to Country and presentation to the College of red and yellow ochre.

Ochre is a natural earth pigment which is widely used in Aboriginal painting. The ochre presented to the College comes from Simon’s wife Roni’s country near Bremmer Bay, known as Chillanup. The gift was warmly received by Principal, Mrs Meg Melville and College Council Chairperson, Mr Paul Owen who then addressed the attendees and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.

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Following the ceremony, members of the College Council, staff, students, parents, Alumni and members of the College’s various support groups enjoyed the evening’s festivities within the beautiful landscaped surrounds of the new building and adjacent amphitheatre. The complimentary paella was a popular choice for dinner and the ice cream van was very popular with the younger guests.

Inside the CADC was also a hive of activity. Guests were able to tour the new facility and had the opportunity to see how the various spaces within the building will be used by the girls on a

daily basis. Dean of Academic Administration Mr Rob Taylor and Dean of Pastoral Care Mrs Michelle Taylor welcomed guests to the ground floor of the building and members of staff were on hand to show the spaces and answer questions. Students were also present to guide guests through the building.

The final stop on the tour of the new building was Level Three; the Food and Textile Technology Department. Guests who made it to Level Three were treated to demonstrations in the textile studios as well as free lamingtons in the Food Laboratory.

Media and Photography students were engaged in activities in the photographic studio and teaching and learning rooms on the ground floor to demonstrate how the spaces will be used by the Photography and Media Department.

The new Creative Arts and Design Centre is truly state-of-theart and demonstrates the College’s commitment to creating a truly inspirational environment for our students to be engaged, excited and challenged within, on their learning journey.

On Level Two, staff and students from the Art Department were involved in a host of activities including drawing, painting and sculpture which showcased the Printing, Drawing and Ceramics Studios.

Teaching Media Space Studies

Printing Studio

Photography Photography Classroom 1 Classroom 1

Future STEM Laboratory

Photo Studio 1 Darkroom

LEVEL ONE

Food Technology 1

Drawing/ Painting Studio Ceramics Display Studio Space

Photo Studio 2 Textile Studio 1

LEVEL TWO

Textile Studio 2 Display Space

Textile Studio 3

Sculpture Courtyard Food Technology 2

LEVEL THREE

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The Penrhos Art Department is a creative learning environment, where students work collaboratively with teachers to produce work of an excellent standard. With the Printing, Drawing and Ceramics studios now operational in the Creative Arts and Design Building, the students have exciting new spaces in which to pursue their creative talents.

Head of Art, Beverley Bell said, “An important part of art at every year level at Penrhos is for students to experience engaging with a practicing Perth artist. This educates the girls about different techniques and approaches, inspires them with ideas and demonstrates art as a viable and exciting career. During Semester 1, the College was fortunate to host a number of artists to work with the girls.”

Amanda Shelsher is a past student of the College and a wellknown Western Australian contemporary sculptural ceramicist.

She visited the College in Term 1 to give a talk to the Year 12 General Art class and returned to the school in Term 2 to work with the girls who are studying her work and its relationship to the intricacies of human nature that are reflected in her sculptures.

Artist Anne Gee has also been working with the senior girls. A group of Year 11 General Visual Art students enjoyed undertaking a paper cut art workshop with Anne who has a fascination with paper cut art, maps, paper sculpture and the use of vintage books, vintage papers and characters in her work.

Art teacher, Jess Johnson said, “The girls found the workshop to be extremely useful in preparing them for their upcoming project and thoroughly enjoyed their time with Anne. The focus for Year 11 General in Semester 1 is ‘experience’ and exploring Anne’s work – which often focusses on the ‘spirit’ of local places and displays a strong sense of narrative – encouraged the girls to explore this concept on a more complex level in their own artwork.”

The Year 11 Visual Arts ATAR students participated in a painting workshop with visual artist Mark Tweedie, whose practice explores the notion of ageing, memory and family. The theme of study for Semester 1 in Visual Arts is ‘Differences’. Students are responding to this theme by analysing artworks and styles by contemporary and international artists and by producing a selfportrait study in acrylic paint. Mark demonstrated how to achieve a variety of techniques using acrylic paint to capture a likeness in a self-portrait study. The girls then produced their own range of self-portrait example studies based on ‘selfies’, exploring how to achieve a range of effects using this medium.

Term 1 finished with Textile artist Pauline Franklyn working with art students in the lower secondary school. Pauline has been working with students at Penrhos for a number of years and has developed specific felt making techniques to suit the College’s programs. Felt making is one of the most ancient methods of making fibre. It is a challenging, physical and very rewarding textiles technique for Year 8 students to learn. By making a number of small sample works, the girls understand how wool behaves when it shrinks and how to manipulate wool rovings around a resist form so it will retain a 3D shape. Fifty Year 8 students spent a full day with Pauline creating felt sea creatures. The students designed and planned their own sculptures based on their drawing investigations and learned a number of embellishment techniques to enhance their felt creations. The finished under-water creatures are on display in the Creative Arts and Design Centre for viewing.

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It’s official - we have a great school library!

The Penrhos College Secondary School Library was nominated as one of the nation’s ‘Great School Libraries’ as part of the search for Australia’s Great School Libraries.

In October 2015, Freedom of Access to Information and Resources (FAIR) joined with library associations and EducationHQ to seek nominations for Great School Libraries across the nation. More than 200 school libraries across Australia and 17 in Western Australia received nominations with the Penrhos Library making the Honours List in March 2016.

Refurbished in 2015 at a cost of $1.7 million, the Library provides resources and an environment that inspires and engages students as they grow. It was designed to be a flexible learning centre and is in line with the College’s vision of providing an inspirational setting for learning that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Library includes spaces that: • encourage collaboration and co-operative learning • allow for student-centred and independent learning • build community, nurture reading and social growth • provide world class technology The Library is an innovative and multi-functional area that is open, bright and inviting. Flexibility is an important aspect of the space with: • desks on wheels so they can be configured in a variety of ways • sound-proofed collaboration and tutorial rooms incorporating video conferencing facilities • comfortable lounges, window seats and bean bags for relaxed reading • booths for group work and discussion • a student kitchen for the preparation of hot drinks • an outdoor reading deck with a view of the Chapel rose garden Head of Library, Mrs Amanda Stewart said, “We knew that we had a great school library but now the rest of Australia knows as well!”

She went on to say, “Libraries of today are very different to those of days gone by. The Library is a unique place within the College.

It is a place for education and also a meeting place for students to work across age groups and with experts, for example Philosophy Club, Homework Club and STEM.”

“Using the video conferencing facilities, Year 9 students were recently able to listen and talk to eastern states based awardwinning author, former lawyer and human rights campaigner Randa Abdel-Fattah. Randa talked to the girls about the inspiration behind her stories and what it is to be a Muslim growing up in Australia. Her talk was very interesting and engaging and the girls got a lot out of it.”

WA author Sally Murphy also noticed how the library is utilised in different ways when she visited the College last term to spend time as a visiting author with the Junior School girls in the Junior School Library. Sally wrote on her website, “This week I spent two wonderful days at Penrhos College in Perth, talking with lots and lots of wonderful young people about books and writing.”

“One lunchtime, I sat in the library during the lunch hour, chatting with girls who came to speak to me and working in between. It occurred to me that the library was very different from libraries of the past and I found myself drafting a poem about what I saw – and what I didn’t see.”

The Library at Lunchtime, by Sally Murphy No hushes Or shushes Or whispered warnings No glares Or stares Or muttered reprimands Only games And smiles And laughter And kids sharing books Sprawled on bright mats Or, on their own, Lost in blissful Turning of pages.

(Poem copyright Sally Murphy, 2016, reproduced with permission of the author) To read more of Sally’s poems or to find out more about her books visit www.sallymurphy.com.au Winter 2016

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Alannah MacTiernan on

GENDER EQUALITY Penrhos College was honoured to host the Federal Member for Perth, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan MP, on Thursday 7 April in the Rixon Theatre for an important discussion on gender equality.

As a woman who has worked in leadership in all three tiers of government, Alannah is well placed to share her experiences of being a woman in leadership and the issues that currently exist for women in the workplace.

Over 150 people attended the evening to hear Alannah speak. Her insights into equality and equity were entertaining and insightful.

She challenged members of the audience to look beyond gender equality and instead focus on equality for all in an attempt to bring about a positive impact socially and economically. Alannah acknowledged that, although Australia has made in-roads into gender equality, more work still needs to be done as inequality is undermining our social cohesion and our potential productivity performance.

Tess Clafton, Lydia Gardiner, Ashlee Garske, Alannah MacTiernan, Adelaide Strahan, Lee Bing Tan, Rebecca Kale

Feedback received following Alannah’s presentation was extremely positive with those in attendance commenting on her humour, astute understanding of the issues and engaging style of speaking.

Year 12 Politics and Law student Montana Nicholls said, “We learn about parliamentarians and their roles a lot in Politics and Law, so it was great to actually meet and listen to one.”

Fellow Year 12 student Harriet Leavesley commented that, “It was really inspiring to hear what Alannah MacTiernan had to say about her time in Federal Parliament as a female parliamentarian and how she actively seeks change.”

GENDER EQUITY Five Year 10 Economics students represented Penrhos College at the Curtin Bankwest Centre breakfast at the Hyatt on Thursday 3 March. Some startling and disturbing facts were shared by the panel of speakers as the report on the issue of gender equity was launched. For example, the average annual pay gap for top tier managers is $100,000. Even more sobering, the ten year career difference for women progressing to top tier management is $600,000. The only time that women earn more than men is when engaged in low paid part-time work. Mrs Jennifer Smith and Mrs Suzanne Pearse thanks Melissa Wildman, Rebecca Godfrey, Priyanka Sharma, Celeste Adams and Jacinta Wheatley who were excellent ambassadors for our school.

Inspiring Girls Seminar & Women in Resources Awards On Friday 4 March, five lucky students were invited by Atlas Iron and Rio Tinto to attend the 2016 Women in Resources Awards at the Perth Convention Centre as part of the Inspiring Girls program.

The Awards are organised by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) and recognise individuals and organisations working to build a world-class industry which provides attractive career opportunities and enhances the recognition and participation of women in the sector.

CME’s Inspiring Girls initiative aims to inspire greater numbers of female students to follow in the footsteps of Women in Resources Awards winners and provides opportunities for students to interact with industry representatives.

Julia Schwab, one of the Penrhos students who attended this year’s Awards breakfast and Inspiring Girls Seminar said, “We had the opportunity to watch the awards ceremony and see the many women who gained recognition and an award for their work and initiatives in the industry.”

The girls in attendance, and the wider Penrhos Community were particularly proud to see 1995 Penrhos College leaver, Claire

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Rebecca Turbitt (Senior Geologist Altas Iron), Grace Pooley, Julia Schwab, Megan Jacka (HR Manager Atlas Iron)

Negus (Hacket), awarded the Outstanding Woman in Resources Award for 2016 for her work as Director-Commercial at Roy Hill.

Following the Awards breakfast the girls attended the Inspiring Girls seminar where they listened to some inspiring women talk about their career journeys, before being able to speak with the women one-on-one to increase their awareness of the benefits and opportunities for females working in the resources sector.

Year 7 Boarders Day students at the College are often intrigued by the Boarding House – wanting to know what the rooms look like, what the food is like and what the boarders do after school and on weekends.

Our boarding community is capped at 100 girls, ranging from Years 7 to 12 and, due to its smaller size. many of our boarders describe our boarding house as feeling more like a boarding ‘home’ with an intimate and friendly environment.

The start of the school year in the Menai Boarding House is an exciting time, especially for those joining the College for the first time. Our Year 7 boarders are not only transitioning from home to boarding, but also from primary to secondary school so we asked them to share with us some of their insights into boarding at Penrhos College.

Boarding at Penrhos is the best thing in the world. Here I have made heaps of new friendships and I love the warmth of all the house mothers.

The food is spectacular and you never go hungry. I love the community and how everything runs so smoothly. You are really treated like women and the house mothers are always there for you and they care for you all the time. The Health Centre staff are always looking after you whenever you need and they really do calm you down after a fall or a tumble. I have loved boarding ever since I arrived.”

Chelsea York

Being a boarder is such a good experience and you get to learn so much. When I first came to the Penrhos boarding house I felt frightened and shy, but the house mothers were very supportive and I made friends by the second day. If I had to pick one, the only bad thing about boarding is that it is never quiet, but we do our homework over in the library so you can get your work done with no distractions. I love boarding because you are never bored; the house mothers are so supportive, it is fun, and a great experience! Paige Schlink

Like many families, our daily life has routines to help us. We have meals and prep time at set times and attend school.

In our spare time we get to hang out with our friends, become involved in co-curricular activities and attend socials with other schools. We form great relationships with house mothers and tutors who help us with everyday life. My favourite things about being a Year 7 boarder are all the lovely people around me and all the fun activities. My friends in the Boarding House are amazing and so fun to be around. The Boarding House staff are all so beautiful and very kind. One of my favourite activities is Boarders Netball.

We play on Saturday mornings and it is so much fun. When I first started I was quite nervous and worried about having to be away from home and my family.

I did get very homesick but then I got used to it. It was an extremely different environment to what I was used to. I think boarding helps you live with other people in a considerate way and the relationships that are formed will last a lifetime!” Micaela Beeck I love being a Year 7 boarder – it’s so much fun. The people here are fantastic, supportive and friendly. The food here is marvellous. I think the best experience I’ve had here so far is when we went to Garden City with Mrs Melville and Mrs Hay. We had lunch, went shopping and got a Boost Juice. I think the most challenging thing was the first night of being boarder – you can get a little homesick. Being a boarder is so much fun. I LOVE IT!” Ashley Taylor

On a day-to-day basis it isn’t always easy – especially being away from home, but with the help of amazing people it’s all worth it. My favourite thing about being a boarder is the experience of being all together and meeting new people from all around the world.

My best experience so far would be boarders netball – it’s a lot of fun. The challenges I have faced include being away from home and getting along with people.” Sarrah Cornall

When I first came to Penrhos at the start of this year I was really nervous, however, there is no need to be! The boarding community is just like a family, with many pairs of similar-sized shoes. Living at school is really just like living at home but more convenient. My favourite aspect of boarding is the friendships that we form. There are so many amazing girls that it’s impossible not to have at least one good friend. Also, I really enjoy all of the amazing experiences we have as boarders, things like socials and outings that are so much fun and are a great learning curve.” Kate Marquis

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CONGRATULATIONS TO

INSPIRATIONAL TEACHERS 2016

To inspire girls to become extraordinary women they need to be guided by inspirational staff. At Penrhos College inspirational staff are people exemplary in knowledge (mind), passion (heart), action (body) and character (spirit). All staff at the College are valued for making a difference in, and for, our students and our College.

Teaching positions at Penrhos are highly sought after. Our teaching staff demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond the basic requirements of their roles and many are outstanding educators who consistently demonstrate the College Values.

In order to recognise and honour these teachers, allowances for Inspirational Teacher 1 and Inspirational Teacher 2 status have been created at Penrhos College.

Applications are accepted annually from eligible teachers and are reviewed by a panel comprised of members of the College leadership groups. Inspirational Teacher status is awarded to those who consistently meet a set of established criteria to a high standard and recognises past achievements and ongoing commitment to the College.

We congratulate the following staff on being acknowledged as Inspirational Teachers for 2016.

INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER 1 Joanne Anderson Gemma Brogden Peter Chandler Samantha Corbett Kelly Ilich Michelle Lenane Julie Lewis Suzanne Pearse

Junior School Junior School Mathematics Physical Education Humanities and Social Sciences Physical Education Junior School Library

INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER 2 Jayne Bolton Suzi Herbert Kerry Jenke Julie Kenny Susan Neale Renee Poetschka

Junior School Junior School Junior School Photography Junior School Physical Education

Thank you and farewell The College said farewell to two long-serving staff members during Term 1.

CHERYL SIGLEY Mrs Cheryl Sigley has been a hardworking and loyal member of staff for 36 years, serving in a variety of Boarding House roles; most recently as a house mother.

Cheryl now joins her husband Ray, who retired from the College after 28 years of service in 2015, to pursue their life after Penrhos. Cheryl will be greatly missed by the Boarding House community and the broader staff.

JOAN MILLER Mrs Joan Miller retired from Penrhos on 8 April, after 34 years with the College. Joan served in both the Secondary and Junior School libraries as Library Technician, providing outstanding levels of service to students and staff throughout her 34 years of service.

Joan and her husband Glen (who is a member of the Penrhos Grounds Staff) are great supporters of Penrhos music and drama and we are sure that we will continue to see Joan at future performances.

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MISS PACK SHOWS OFF OUR FIRST PENNANT It was such a treat to see past staff member Laurie Packham at the February meeting of the Penrhosian Club. Laurie is holding the very first IGSSA pennant won by Penrhos – the 1975 Athletics Carnival – on the occasion of the 13th Interschool Carnival. Miss Pack also shared her deal with then principal Dr Horner: win the carnival and the whole school would get a day off; a promise that was honoured by Dr Horner.

VALE

Sue McCulloch

The College was deeply saddened at the passing of Sue McCulloch in February this year.

Sue McCulloch held the role of Enrolment Manager with the College from 2007 to 2016.

Most of our current families will have come in contact with Sue at some point on their Penrhos journey. Sue particularly enjoyed attending Field Days in our country areas and touring prospective families around our campus. Sue was an elegant and gracious woman, with a warm and generous spirit.

The funeral service for Sue was held at the Penrhos College Chapel on Monday, 22 February. Sue will be remembered as a highly professional, hard-working and loyal member of our staff.

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CARE PACKS FOR THE HOMELESS

A surplus of unused airline toiletry bags at home sparked an idea for Year 9 student, Hannah Knight, who thought they could be put to better use if they were filled with essential items for homeless people.

Hannah initiated Care Packs for the Homeless and now encourages her fellow students to participate in the project by putting together a toiletry bag filled with items such as toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant and socks.

In Term 1, over 80 Care Packs were donated by the Penrhos Community and delivered by Hannah to Vincentcare which

provides accommodation and support for individuals experiencing severe and enduring mental illness, including those who have a history of homelessness.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative Hannah said, “I decided to start this activity at Penrhos because I wanted to be able to initiate a project that is easy and that can make a difference.

During the course of the year, the bags will be given to different shelters and organisations such as the Salvation Army and Uniting Care for distribution to people in need.”

Heartfelt

act of kindness Everyone who attended this year’s Easter Service received a special felt heart pin to represent an ‘act of kindness’. Over 1600 heart pins were made by the Year 9s as part of the Learn, Live and Give Service Learning and Community Service Program.

Learn, Live, Give Program Coordinator, Danielle Glucina said, “As part of the curriculum we were focussing on happiness and gratitude. The Year 9s were encouraged to perform random acts of kindness, big and small, at home and for their friends, and see what sort of reaction they got and how they felt afterwards. This motivated them to encourage this shared message with the whole school community and led to them handing out the hearts they’d made to everyone who attended the Easter Service.”

The Learn, Live and Give Program allows students an opportunity to develop and apply academic skills as well as leadership and communication skills to a variety of experiences both within the classroom and the wider community. It is designed to develop a greater understanding of the whole person paradigm – Mind, Heart, Body and Spirit, embedded in the values system of the College.

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The concept for the felt hearts was inspired by the ‘heartfelt revolution’ story which began about a year ago with a woman by the name of Hila Perry who held a Valentine’s Day party at her house in New York City. She decided to pin felt hearts to her black dress for the occasion. Throughout the night, several of her friends commended her for making hearts to give out to her friends at the party. Although this wasn’t her initial intention, she thought it was a great idea, so soon after Ms Perry and her friends started passing out hundreds of felt hearts to random people all over New York City. Over the next year, the movement began to spread under the banner ‘heartfelt revolution’.

The heart felt pins made by the Year 9 students were a lovely addition to the Easter Service and warmly received by the students, staff, parents and community members who attended.

BOOK WEEK SUPPORTS MOWANJUM Students at Mowanjum Indigenous Community, east of Derby in the State’s north, recently received a shipment of books purchased with money raised during last year’s Book Week.

Head of Library, Amanda Stewart said, “We have developed a close relationship with Mowanjum through students at the College and Danielle Glucina (Aboriginal Liaison Officer) and Renee Poetschka’s (Service Learning and Community Service Coordinator) visits to the Community.”

Year 9 student Felicity Lindquist’s grandmother, Gail Creswell, runs the Early Learning Centre at Mowanjum Community and Felicity has visited the Community on a number of occasions over the past few years.

“Gail had asked for some literacy resources around the theme of rainbow serpent/fish, and in particular some big books. It was fitting that Gail’s granddaughter, Felicity, was able to be involved in selecting the books to be sent to Mowanjum.”

Upon receiving the news that the books were on their way, Gail commented that, although working in a remote community has its challenges, it is also very rewarding and the support she receives from the College and other organisations reminds her that she “is not doing this alone.”

All money raised from this year’s Book Week, which will be held in August and has the theme Australia! Story Country, will also be used to support the Mowanjum Community.

Books for Children in Care

Penrhos College has raised $800 through its program of visiting authors. This money is being used to buy book packages for the Discovery Book Club, run by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support (Cannington).

The purpose of the Discovery Book Club project is to establish a sustainable community partnership and resource model to support the development of positive reading relationships and literacy skills of children coming into care.

This year, the 2016 Library Committee (Ellen Beard, Archa Gamage, Tenysha Koopman, Nicola Lachenicht, Stephanie Levy, Sammi Looi, Megan Petty, Kara Phipps, Shreya Samanta, Hannah Terpsis and Bianca Zweck) chose books for 25 specific children in this Book Club, based on their age and interests.

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WELCOME CHAPLAIN CLAIRE The College is very pleased to welcome new Chaplain, Ms Claire Pickering back to Penrhos. Claire is a former Penrhos student (1992-1996) and is delighted to be returning to the school in the capacity of School Chaplain.

Claire’s tertiary studies and professional training have been multidisciplinary and encompass Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Education, Theology and Ministry.

Ms Claire Pickering

Upon being appointed to Penrhos College, Claire described her new role as her “dream placement” and is very excited to be working with our students, staff, parents and old girls.

BEAUTY FROM BROKENNESS... 2016 CHAPEL SERVICE

MEET OUR CHAPEL CAPTAINS This year’s Chapel Captains share with us some insight into their roles as student leaders as well as their thoughts on the importance of providing opportunities for spiritual development and the teaching of sound moral and ethical values as part of the school program.

Ella McGuckin, Isabel Hughes, Taylah Gee, Emma Wolmarans, Christine Chen, Erin Robertson, Mikaela de Kok

CHRISTINE CHEN Secondary School Chapel Captain

ISABEL HUGHES Junior School Chapel Captain

What is involved in the role of Chapel Captain?

Being a Chapel Captain entails a lot of coordination with the chaplaincy department in regards to organising upcoming events, chapel services and assemblies. Often I will choose prayers and Bible passages together with my Vice Captain Erin to read out to the rest of the school which is great, because we’re able to select something meaningful for all of the other students to hear.

Furthermore, I have to attend biweekly meetings with the rest of the Student Council and also chair the ‘For Others’ Committee.

Being a part of that committee is probably one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role.

What are your duties as Junior School Chapel Captain?

As Junior School Chapel Captain I have many responsibilities around the school. Each week I have to assist with the Monday Chapel Service in which I have to deliver a bible reading and collect the offerings from the Junior School community.

Penrhos is committed to an educational philosophy which provides a balanced and diverse education and enables every girl to experience growth in her own spiritual journey. Why do you think this is important?

In the midst of busy school life, tests and exams, we can get so easily swept up with studying and always focussing on the next deadline or the next test we must revise for, that we often end up completely neglecting our spiritual and mental well-being (something I too am guilty of!). That is why I believe Penrhos’ emphasis on spiritual growth is so imperative for a balanced student life. It’s important for every girl to embark on her own spiritual journey so that she can take a step back, reflect, and become more in tune with her spirit, mind and body for a change.

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What do you enjoy about being Junior School Chapel Captain?

Even though the duties of Junior School Chapel Captain means hard work, having the additional responsibilities makes me feel like I am really making a difference and part of a wider ‘family’ at Penrhos. I love being a role model for the younger students, encouraging them and helping them any way I can. Talking with the younger students really gives me a sense of pride and makes me want to be the best leader I can be as I know that they are looking up to me.

The 2016 Junior School Captains are supported each term by a Team Captain. What do the Chapel Team Captains do to assist you?

The Chapel Team Captains assist me with the Bible reading at the Chapel Service and are also responsible for the preparation of the service. They also assist with preparing and delivering the ‘For Others’ report at the Junior School Principal’s Assembly.

FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Board Membership I would like to thank Greg Dodd for his work and commitment to the Penrhos College Foundation. Greg joined the Board in 2013 and has recently resigned his position after three years of service. During his time on the Board, Greg managed the Foundation property portfolio and we acknowledge the experience and professionalism he brought to his role on the Board.

The current Board members are: • Sondra Anderson • Camilla Holt • Greg Beard • David Wallace • Tracie Cielak • Tom Esze • Tony Connors • Sally Audeyev • Raj Kurup

Foundation Constitution Amendments The Foundation Board AGM was held in March with a number of minor changes to the Foundation’s constitution. These changes ensure the Foundation Constitution is in line with the College Council and accounts for changes made to the Corporation Act. These changes reflect the beginning of a full review, which will take place throughout the rest of the year.

The Foundation funding of our Support Groups In 2015 the Foundation changed the Parent Support Group Grant scheme to a rolling scheme, whereby groups can now apply for a grant at any time of the year as needed, rather than to a set deadline. We take this opportunity to remind Support Groups that they are welcome to apply for a Foundation grant as the need arises.

Involving Fathers in our community The Year 12 Father Daughter dinner, held last August, was again sponsored by the Foundation. The event was held on campus and feedback from the girls and their dads indicated it was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to spend quality time with their fathers and celebrate their years at Penrhos.

Menrhos, which falls under the Foundation banner, had another successful year under the stewardship of Alistair Baron and Tom Esze, with assistance from the Marketing & Community Relations office. Last year’s events included Secondary School Dads and Daughters Breakfast, Junior School Movie Night, Year 5 Dads and Daughters Camp and Year 7 Dads and Daughters Camp. The Menrhos group is working towards a more independent structure in 2016, which will bring them more in line with other Support Groups at the College.

A Lasting Legacy – the Betty Harman Bequest Society Betty Harman was an extraordinary woman who devoted much of her life to teaching and caring for girls at Penrhos College. She is very fondly remembered by the Penrhos College community and the Betty Harman Bequest Society is her proud legacy.

As the Foundation Chair, I know only too well how one bequest can transform a whole school community. Our students are incredibly fortunate to benefit from the generosity of previous generations of the Penrhos College Community.

Sondra Anderson with daughter Caris

A bequest is a special way to leave your legacy and support future generations of Penrhosians. Your bequest will go to ensuring Penrhos College can continue to deliver quality education and realise its purpose – inspiring girls to become extraordinary women.

Every bequest is unique to the donor and I encourage you to contact the Marketing and Community Relations Office if you would like to receive more information on the Betty Harman Bequest Society.

Phone: 9368 9517 / Email: develop@penrhos.wa.edu.au

Thank you I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their contribution and efforts throughout the year. All have given significantly of their personal and business time and extremely valuable expertise.

Thanks are also given to College staff, Mrs Meg Melville, Ms Ailish Breheny, Mrs Karen Ambrose, and Ms Rochelle Zaknich who is currently on parental leave. The Foundation welcomes Mrs Melissa Mairata to the role of Marketing & Community Relations Manager while Rochelle is on leave.

Sondra Anderson FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

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Foundation Bursary and Scholarship Recipient

ALLYSHA CLEEMAN

Penrhos College Foundation bursaries and scholarships have provided aspiring girls with the opportunity to grow into wonderful women who give back through business, science, the arts and community work, long past their time at Penrhos College.

One such woman is 2005 leaver Allysha Cleeman, who followed her passion for music and singing while at Penrhos College and continues to delight audiences with her engaging personality and charming voice. As an established solo artist, Allysha’s stylistic versatility means she comfortably sings music from many different genres (popular and traditional), including jazz, operetta, musical theatre, classical and contemporary styles.

Allysha’s performance experience is varied, encompassing stage and television and includes singing at the WA Tourism Awards, the Queens Golden Jubilee at Government House and as a soloist supporting act for both Marcia Hines and Marina Prior. She has worked as a voice over artist and played the lead role of Maria in ‘West Side Story’ at the Playhouse Theatre.

Discovering an early passion for music, Allysha began playing the violin and piano at the age of seven. She was awarded a Pernhos College Foundation Bursary and a Music Scholarship 2000.

During her time at Penrhos College, Allysha was co-Music captain in her final year, and involved in the chorale, choir, orchestra, and stage band.

Upon graduating from Penrhos, Allysha completed a Bachelor of Music at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Certificate II, Musical Theatre. She also completed her Graduate Diploma of Opera Studies, and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) at Edith Cowan University.

Allysha retains a connection to Penrhos as a singing teacher in the College’s music department. Reflecting on the opportunities she received as a Bursary and Scholarship recipient, Allysha said, “I have always felt very warmly towards the Penrhos College community - I had an enormous amount of support and am extremely grateful for the opportunities I was given. I don’t think I would have been able to attend this school if it wasn’t for the financial support I was awarded. My parents and I are hugely thankful, and it is really wonderful to have been invited back to the school as a singing teacher this year. I hope I can give back some of the joy and inspiration that this school has given me.”

Congratulations to the 2017

FOUNDATION BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Neve Paulin (Kensington Primary School) Ebony Henning (Coogee Primary School) Grace Dunkeld (Lake King Primary School)

RIXON THEATRE SPONSOR A SEAT DONORS The Penrhos College Foundation sincerely thanks the following donors for their generous support in sponsoring a seat in the Rixon Theatre, since the previous edition of The Penrhosian.

Anonymous (1) S & L Brunalli Adele Campbell Cassandra & Vanessa Ma Cathy Walsh Hannah Wray

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Donating to the Penrhos College Foundation Bursary and Scholarship Fund If you are interested in donating to the Penrhos College Foundation Bursary and Scholarship Fund to assist us in providing opportunities to foster the development of girls who may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend the College, please consider giving this year. Donations are fully tax deductible and able to be made via the College website.

Everyone’s capacity to give is different and any donation, no matter how big or small, can help make a difference.

It’s not too late to ‘Sponsor a Seat’ In 2014 we launched the Rixon Theatre 20th Anniversary ‘Sponsor a Seat’ campaign and we continue to receive expressions of interest to sponsor a seat. The total income to date from this campaign is $107,020.

Rixon Theatre seats are still available to sponsor for $500 (fully tax deductible), and include your personalised set plaque and name on the honour board. Sponsoring a seat ensures your generosity will be recognised for many years to come and gives you and your family the opportunity to leave a tangible mark on the College.

If you are interested in sponsoring a seat, please email sponsoraseat@penrhos.wa.edu.au or call the Marketing & Community Relations Manager on (08) 9368 9517.

FROM THE ALUMNI PRESIDENT Dear Penrhosians Our annual networking event, Shakers & Stirrers, was a great way to start 2016. There was a fantastic turnout with more than 120 Penrhos Alumni and Wesley Old Boys turning up to the Windsor Hotel. On the back of its success we are planning a Sydney version of the Shakers & Stirrers on Friday, 9 September. We encourage you to let those old girls you know of living in Sydney about this event and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Wesley Old Collegians.

During 2016 we are hosting our Alumni High Tea, profits from which will be used to support the educational outcomes of current and future Penrhos students through our Scholarships & Bursaries program. We will again support the Year 12 Mother Daughter Dinner in June where we welcome the girls to Alumni community. Founders’ Day is coming up in August and this year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Penrhos College being granted a plot of crown land on which the school now stands. In October we will present our third Alumni Endeavour Award to a very worthy Year 12 student at the Flower Day Assembly.

Amanda Yaksich

We are pleased to welcome new committee members Sarah Andrews 2007 and Sue Hampson (Edwards) 1980 and look forward to working with them to bring new ideas for our Alumni community.

Amanda Yaksich Alumni President

Terri Sheehan (Washington) 1978 with Amanda Yaksich (Watson) 1976 at this year’s Shakers & Stirrers Event

Sydney Reunion

SAVE THE DATE

If you live in NSW, will be in the vicinity, or fancy a weekend away, we invite you to join us in Sydney in September.

It’s a great excuse for a girls’ weekend!

The Penrhos Alumni, in conjunction with the Old Wesley Collegians Association, will be hosting a combined Reunion: Date: Friday, 9 September 2016 Time: 6pm onwards Location: Level 3 Club Bar, Hotel CBD, Cnr King and York Sts, Sydney Please RSVP by Friday, 2 September at www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/book-tickets for catering purposes.

This free event proudly supported by the Penrhos College Alumni (Inc) and the Old Wesley Collegians Association.

If you know of any old girls or boys living in Sydney we encourage you to pass along this information.

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Shan Camizo (Williams) 1978, Julie Linstedt (Pryce) 1978, Alex Retallick 1978, Sue Kirk (Lindsey) 1978, Denise Muir (Van Abra) 1978, Sara Cox (Retallick) 1984, Ros Retallick 1979, Sue Hillard, Fiona Morgan, Jacky Burgess 1979

Jodie Davis (Williamson), Simone Cornelius-Moor, Zoe Johnson (Wilson), Jane Winzer, Julie Barratt (Brickwood), Jennifer Egerton-Warburton, Hayley Lawrance, Danne Reynolds (Walker), all Class of 1989

Friday, 12 February 2016 The Windsor Hotel, South Perth We had our biggest turnout yet at the annual Penrhos Alumni and Old Wesley Collegians networking event held back in February. Thanks to Wesley Alumni Manager Ian ‘Chook’ Fowler and the OWCA for helping to organise the evening, and to the many old girls, from cohorts 1962 – 2015 who came along on the night.

Jodie Everett (Wright), Natalie Freeman 1984, Miranda Linton 1982

Yanqi Qui, Faye Strugnell, both Class of 2008

Anne Walker (Williams) 1972, Craig Walker (OWCA), Annie Fowler (Fullerton) 1978, Lesley McPherson 1962

Kim Quinlivan (Rawlings) 1985, Sue Manson (Harvey) 1985, Melissa Boyton 1985, Melissa Toplis (Schupelis) 1984

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Suzanne Menarry (Dunne) 1984, Hayley Lawrance 1989

Amy Case (Dwyer), Prue Hawkins, both Class of 1998

Alana Ang 2005, Aileen Ang 1993, Amanda Broughton 1993, Sue Senior (Kingston) 1975

Emma Cornwall, Jen White 2008, Sian Murace 2008, Kristyn Cronin 2008, Margot Michailides (Gardner) 1978, Camilla Holt (Spickett) 1990

2014 LEAVERS REUNION Friday, 18 March 2016 Penrhos College Leavers, from what is affectionately referred to as the ‘half-cohort’, joined us for their very first reunion back in March. Overlooking the refurbished Rixon Theatre Amphitheatre and the brand-new Creative Arts and Design Building the girls enjoyed getting together 18 months following their graduation from the College. Penrhos Alumni thanks the Penrhos staff who attended on the night and Vicki Doherty 1970, Loretta Dease 1961 and Sarah Andrews 2007 for hosting the event.

Edwina Shannon, Brittany Cooke, Paris Elphick

Bronwyn Peek, Yassamin Malekloo, Jacqui Reid, Emily Kelly

Sam Warenczak, Chelsea Toplis, Niamh Oakley, Elysse Seet

Steph Di Giovanni, Ruby Matthews

Saturday, 7 May 2016 Tompkins on Swan It was ‘back to the ‘90’s’ for the lively group of graduates from 1996. Over 60 Penrhosians gathered for a night of smooth 90’s tunes and catching up. The Penrhos Alumni thanks Lorelle Coates (Wearne) for organising a fabulous evening and Carri Forrester from All About Image for donating the Penrhos-themed photobooth.

Jody Gaff (Metherell), Meredith Oh (Rose), Sarah Jones, Sheridan Simpson (George), Kathryn Braley (Wale)

JK Backhouse, Stephanie Hales (Cuerden), Anne Paterson (McAusland), Melanie Henderson, Tania Giorgetta

Sarah Sekulov (Thomas), Tania Giorgetta, Andrea Ang, Jenna Laird-Furley

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A CHAT WITH LEILA JEFFREYS 1989 leaver Leila Jeffreys is a passionate advocate of Australian wildlife. Thanks to her very adventurous parents, Leila spent much of her childhood travelling, sparking her interest in the natural world. Upon graduating from Penrhos, Leila went on to study photography as part of an arts degree at Murdoch University and Curtin University. Leila continued her studies in Sydney, completing an Advanced Certificate III in Photography from Ultimo TAFE College. Leila began documenting birds by way of photographic portraiture as a personal project in 2008. Her first series focussed on the much-loved family pets, budgerigars. A series of Australian native cockatoos followed in 2012. Leila works with animal rescue and conservation groups to create her portraits. Leila’s work has been exhibited widely throughout Australia, USA, Hong Kong and the UK and has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The Times Magazine, Vogue and on three Australian Geographic covers. Leila recently published Birdland, a hardcover collection of some of her most stunning portrait photography.

What have you been up to since graduating from Penrhos?

Oh my goodness! How do I answer this quickly? I studied at Murdoch University in Perth, moved to Sydney (where I still live) to pursue a career in photography, met my husband, made it public to friends and family that I was a backyard birdwatcher, tried to work as a freelance photographer and failed. Shifted directions and worked as photo editor for magazines, started to do volunteer work with ornithologists tagging wild birds, got married, went on birdwatching holidays, commenced work on a personal art project photographing budgerigars, admitted to friends and family that I was a serious bird nut, had my son Vincent, held my first exhibition... and that path lead me to becoming a photographic artist represented in Sydney, Hong Kong and London.

Leila Jeffreys with Ivy the barn owl. Photographer: Bo Wong

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

My son Vincent. He’s a really sweet and fun 6 year old boy who loves animals, martial arts, swimming, dancing, soccer, riding his bike and especially loves wrestling and play fighting. He is full of energy and joy.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on some large scale art projects for exhibitions in 2017. I have been a part of many group shows and have held 3 major solo exhibitions that have travelled overseas (in 2010, 2012 and 2014) and each of them took me about 2 years work. I am behind on this one already!

What is your fondest memory of Penrhos?

I often think about my teacher Mrs Knott. At school, I sometimes struggled to understand what others seemed to pick up quickly, but she would take her time to explain things to me and always made me feel like my ideas had worth. I remember her to be very kind but also strict which garnered absolute respect for her!

Find out more about Leila or see examples of her work at www.leilajeffreys.com

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Birdland

OUT AND ABOUT The Marketing & Community Relations Office invites Alumni members to contribute to the Penrhosian Magazine by emailing their news items to alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au. We publish Alumni submissions in good faith, with a view to sharing and celebrating good news.

Lesley Thompson 1980 writes that whilst on cruise to Fiji in February her boyfriend MAJ Martin Holmes proposed over dinner on board the ship; a beautiful Valentine’s Day surprise. The couple will be married in Perth in the coming 12 months.

Cate Pattison (Acaster) 1984 writes that, following a career in media, she is now working as an oral and organisational historian and has recently written and published a book celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Richmond Fellowship (now Richmond Wellbeing).

This organisation is now a leading provider of mental health services and accommodation in Perth and received Lotterywest support for the project. Cate is now working on the development of further organisational history projects.

Ashleigh Owens 2001 is living in Tokyo and enjoying time with her gorgeous little nine month old boy, Mavi Warren Owens Dinlenc.

Kate Gardiner 1987 writes that she is very happy and excited to share the news that her (now) fiancé Christopher popped the big question and the couple are busily planning their wedding, in April 2017.

Kate is also very happy that their wedding ceremony will be conducted by Jay Walsh, who was Kate’s English and Drama teacher while attending Penrhos. Chris and Kate are now full swing into their new lives as cruising nomads and slowly circumnavigating Australia. At present they have escaped the impending winter weather and are soaking up the sun in Queensland.

Kymberley Doig 2009 has been volunteering with Royal Life Saving for the ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ program for the past five years and was recently asked to be a Royal Life Saving ambassador and also awarded the RLS Society Western Australian Associate Award. Kymberley graduated with a Law and Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2015. She is currently working at Herbert Smith Freehills and will shortly be admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of WA. Her admission will be moved by her dad Ron Doig 1972, Penrhos College Old Boy!

Deputy Premier Liza Harvey presents Claire Negus with her award. Photo: Michael O’Brien/The West Australian.

Congratulations to Claire Negus (Hacket) 1995 who won the ‘Outstanding Woman in Resources’ Award at this year’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Women in Resources Awards. Claire comes from a legal and accounting background and is now the Commercial Director at Roy Hill.

Victoria Pitt 1985 directed the threepart documentary ‘Afghanistan: Inside Australia’s war’ which aired on the ABC in February and March. Victoria both wrote and directed the three-part series, which took three years to make, including one year to edit. The documentary received outstanding reviews in The Australian and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers.

Adele Baljeu 2011 recently received the award for DUX of fourth year Chiropractic Science at Murdoch University and the Vice Chancellor’s award for academic excellence, which is awarded to the top 2% of all enrolled students at Murdoch University.

Caitlin Doughty 2000 married Rory Leane in November at Watershed Winery in Margaret River. Caitlin writes that they had an absolutely wonderful day celebrating with 60 of their closest family and friends, followed by a honeymoon in Phuket.

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South Perth History Resonates Penrhos 1989 leaver and Western Australian artist Amanda Shelsher’s artwork, ‘Resonance’, is a new public art installation at the Mends Street Promenade on the South Perth foreshore.

Amanda has recently been working with our Year 12 General Art class which has been studying her work and its relationship to the intricacies of human nature that are reflected in her sculptures.

Traditionally a ceramic artist, this new work, Resonance, is cast bronze and stands up to 1.9 metres high.

The artwork examines the theme of how, as humans, we connect with nature and is modelled on three swan feathers representing the plentiful birdlife on the Swan River. The shaft of the feathers reveals anecdotes and memories of local Nyungar families as well as the first recollections of early explorers, Willem de Vlamingh and James Stirling. The vane of the feathers represents reflections of a time in the 1940s when the land was used by migrant Chinese market gardeners who provided the local community with fresh produce.

High Flying Alumna

Mayor Sue Doherty with Amanda Shelsher. Photo: City of South Perth

The artwork is part of the City of South Perth’s ‘A Story to Tell’ program which brings together more than 30 local arts and event activities celebrating the stories of the City.

Chiara Boardman 2003 is a veteran of Penrhos College and whilst studying at Penrhos, was also a member of the WA State Rhythmic Gymnastic team for a number of years. From this, Chiara moved into dance and aerials with a local troupe, SkaDaDa. In 2005 she gained a place at NICA (National Institute of Circus Arts) at Swinburne University in Melbourne, graduating in 2008.

Since leaving uni, Chiara has travelled the world performing as an Aerialist, which has included a short stay in Delhi whilst performing in the first ever live on-stage Bollywood musical, ‘Zangoora the Gypsy Prince’. In 2010 Chiara moved to London and toured for three months with the

Legal Eagles The Perth office of Allion Legal is bursting with a number of old Penrhosians on staff; Rebecca Ng 1994 Associate – Property practice Hayley Lawrance 1989 Special Counsel – Corporate & Resources practice Renee Kaczmarczyk 2001 Solicitor – Corporate & Resources practice Ailyn Tydde, (Choo) 2001 Senior Associate – Corporate & Resources practice Molly Delaney 2011 Precedents Law Clerk and Law student at UWA Rebecca Bowra 1998 Marketing and Communications

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‘Take That Progress Tour’, which marked the reuniting of Robbie Williams and his band mates for a massive European tour.

She was also part of ‘Pacific Cirque’, a circus troupe performing on the Cruise liner ‘Pacific Pearl’ cruising the South Pacific.

When setting out, Chiara’s dream was to be part of an International travelling circus show. Then in November 2014 she joined ‘Cavalia’, a new show from the creative team behind Cirque du Soleil, but involving horses. Chiara has been touring with ‘Cavalia’ ever since, taking in Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and now Beijing.

Combined Independent Girls’ Schools’ Tennis At the annual Combined Independent Girls’ School Tennis Day on Thursday, 24 March at Reabold Tennis Club our Penrhos team put up a great fight and had a lot of fun along the way.

If you are interested in joining the team for next year please contact us at alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au

Judy Smith (Adams) 1971, Carol Tandon (Moore) 1969, Pam Digby, Julie Fuller (Wilson) 1978, Marlene Howes (Bond) 1962, Clare Howells (Dick) 1977, Glenda Rae 1982, Lyn Atterton (past parent)

‘Mrs Sunny’: Marriage Celebrant Vicky Sunderland was a much-loved member of the Penrhos staff for 19 years, through to her retirement in 2001. Vicky gained a qualification in Celebrancy in 2009, allowing her to officiate at weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies, and has just recently reached a milestone; conducting all four of the Sinclair sisters’ weddings!

I have been privileged enough to conduct the weddings for all four Sinclair sisters over the last three years.

Amelia (Milly) was first in April 2013. Milly, a retail manager, married Adam Hamilton, a business development manager. They had a beautiful country wedding in perfect weather at ‘The Farmhouse’, a private property in the Chittering Valley.

Next was Lucy, who married Wei-Sen Lam in the Council House Gardens in November 2013. Lucy is a nurse and Wei-Sen is an oncology specialist, and they now have a gorgeous one year old daughter, Eden.

Alicia had an intimate, personal ceremony in the Sinclair’s lovely garden when she married Ben Moran in July 2014. The big occasion was held in Bali a few weeks later. Alicia is a development officer and Ben has his own company.

Finally, Grace married Carsten Broeze in a tranquil grove of Peppermint trees at ’Solitaire Homestead’ Yallingup in March 2016.

Grace works for the State Government and Carsten is an emergency doctor.

All four weddings were held in beautiful weather in amazing, although very different locations. They were all happy, relaxed and joyful occasions, the solemn and formal parts of the ceremony balanced with a good deal of humour and fun. Another constant at all four weddings was when Father of the Brides, Don Sinclair, walked his daughters ‘down the aisle’. He found it a particularly moving and emotional experience.

Joanna Hayter inducted to Victorian Honour Roll of Women This year on International Women’s Day, we were delighted to learn that humanitarian and 1977 leaver Joanna Hayter had been inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Joanna is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), the leading Australian development agency for women’s rights and gender equality. Joanna was recognised for outstanding service to international development, gender equality and peace building in a career that spans more than 30 years, 25 countries and four continents. In 2013 Joanna was named one of Australia’s ‘100 Women of Influence’.

Alumni Artist Solo Exhibition Kellie Orr was a Penrhos student from Years 7 to 12 and graduated in 2005.

Kellie is now working as a full-time artist doing commissioned portraits and is holding a solo exhibition in August. Kellie paints contemporary portraits and the theme of the exhibition is people who have taken risks to pursue their dream creative career.

Kellie was very involved in art at Penrhos, won an art prize in Year 12 and had three of her Year 12 paintings exhibited in the State Gallery’s Year 12 Perspectives exhibition.

Kellie Orr Solo Exhibition 6.30pm Friday, 5 August 2016 Beyond Gallery 345 Charles Street, North Perth

Kellie’s art can be viewed here: Instagram: @kellie.orr.art Facebook: www.facebook.com/kellie.orr.art/

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ALUMNI EVENTS IN 2016 PENRHOS COLLEGE FOUNDERS’ DAY

Tuesday, 9 August 2016 at 11am College Chapel, Penrhos College Past students, staff and friends of Penrhos welcome.

This is a free event.

SYDNEY REUNION

CLASS OF 1991 CATCH-UP

Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 7pm The Subi Hotel, 465 Hay Street, Subiaco RSVP to the Class of 1991 Facebook Page Coordinators: Jodie Perram, Kate Gaspar (Salomons) and Alaine Jowatt (MacDonald)

Friday, 9 September 2016 Level 3, Hotel CBD, Sydney

CLASS OF 2006 10 YEAR REUNION

COMBINED INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS’ GOLF DAY

Official invites are sent by email six weeks prior to the reunion. Please ensure the College has your current details.

Contact the Alumni & Community Relations Coordinator via alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au or (08) 9368 9539 to update your details or for any reunion enquiries.

Date TBC

Monday, 10 October 2016 Royal Perth Golf Club, South Perth

CLASS OF 1966 50 YEAR REUNION Sunday, 7 August 2016 The Pagoda, Como

CLASS OF 1976 40 YEAR REUNION

COMBINED INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS GOLF DAY

Saturday, 12 November 2016 Royal Perth Golf Club, South Perth

Please note that the Combined Independent Girls’ School Golf Day is being held on Monday, 10 October 2016 at Royal Perth Golf Club.

PENRHOS COLLEGE ALUMNI (INC) AGM Tuesday, 15 November 2016 Main Administration, Penrhos College

The Penrhos/Kobeelya team won the event last year, a fantastic achievement in the year the competition also celebrated its 50th year milestone.

CLASS OF 1986 30 YEAR REUNION

If you are interested in joining the Penrhos/Kobeelya team please contact Colette Nadler on 0412 246 343.

Saturday, 19 November 2016 Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College

Penrhos College Alumni is once again proud to host the Penrhos

Founders’ Day This day of celebration will commemorate the Methodist Trustees passing a resolution to purchase St Anne’s Girls’ School in South Perth, thus founding MLC South Perth.

Date: Tuesday, 9 August 2016 Venue: Penrhos College Chapel Time: 11am This is a free event.

We invite past students, staff and friends of Penrhos to join in the day’s festivities, including: • Chapel Service • Student assembly and performances • College tour • Light lunch

Please RSVP online at www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/book-tickets or to alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au for catering purposes

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

PENRHOS COLLEGE COMO 50 YEARS ON From pine plantation to outstanding educational facility 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of the government allocation of the land, in what had been the Collier pine plantation, on which Penrhos College stands.

Enrolments at the Angelo Street school, established in 1952 as MLC South Perth and later called Penrhos MLC, had risen steeply in the early 1960s causing the principal, Mrs Way, and a committee of representatives from the school council to consult with the Director of Town Planning about the possibility of an alternative site. In 1963 they asked to be considered for a grant of 15 – 20 acres of crown land when the pine plantation reached its expected maturation at the end of the decade.

In February 1966 the West Australian Newspaper published a sketch of the proposed future use of the Collier plantation. The provision of areas for three private schools prompted the school council to seek priority of choice. To their delight a sketch received from the Under Secretary for Land, 30 June 1966, confirmed the allocation of a site at the corner of Morrison Road (Street) and Thelma Street. On 3 August an overjoyed Mrs Way organised a picnic for the students at which the school flag was raised.

By November 1966 a working party was able to begin surveying the site and architects Cameron, Chisholm & Nicol were chosen to produce a master plan, ultimately to be built in five stages.

The felling of nearly 3 acres of pines in 1967 cost the school council $560 in compensation to the Forestry Department but a start had been made!

The foundation stone marking the commencement of building was eventually laid on 26 July 1970 and can still be seen on the wall of the Colwyn Centre.

Como Stage 1, comprising the original Colwyn boarding house and senior school classrooms, received the first Year 10 – 12 students in February 1971 and other year groups followed until, at the beginning of 1974, the whole school was together on the Como campus.

Barbara van Bronswijk Archivist

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2016 TOUR EVENTS

KINDY PLACES FOR 2017

We invite prospective families and students to join us for a Tour Morning or Twilight Tour. You will have the opportunity to meet Principal Meg Melville, senior staff, students, and tour the College campus.

Following the successful introduction of double streaming into our Junior School in 2016, we are now accepting enrolments for a second Kindy class for 2017.

To book one of the following tours please visit the Penrhos College website on www.penrhos.wa.edu.au or contact the Marketing & Community Relations office on (08) 9368 9517 or by email feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au.

• Thursday, 11 August at 9am • Friday, 28 October at 9am • Wednesday, 23 November at 5.30pm (Twilight Tour)

We offer a diversity of opportunities that will engage, challenge and excite young minds through programs such as our Nature Playground, Loose Parts Program and stimulating early learning environment.

For further information or to tour the Early Learning Centre (ELC) please contact our Enrolments Manager, Mrs Susie Gill on (08) 9368 9508 or via email at enrol@penrhos.wa.edu.au.

Susie will happily answer any questions you may have about our early learning programs and show you and your daughter the ELC facilities.

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Join the ‘Penrhos College Alumni Inc’ or ‘Menrhos’ group at www.linkedin.com

FEEDBACK If you have any feedback on this edition of The Penrhosian or wish to submit photos or story ideas, please email feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au.

6 Morrison Street, Como Western Australia 6152 | Locked Bag 690, Como Western Australia 6952 Tel: 08 9368 9500 Fax: 08 9368 9677 Email: enrol@penrhos.wa.edu.au www.penrhos.wa.edu.au A School of the Uniting Church in Australia ABN 33 834 165 805 CRICOS CODE 00444E