24 AUGUST 2018
TERM 3 • 24 AUGUST 2018 • VOLUME 306
Dr David Lim
Mrs Leah Russell
From the Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor
The 2018 Annual College Council Armidale weekend was a memorable one. The weather was at its best, cool nights with star laden skies followed by crisp mornings and sunlit days. It was also the first visit to Armidale of newly appointed members of College Council, Mr Adam Ladkins and Mr David Su. The Council Dinner was held in the recently opened Hinton Gallery at NERAM providing a stunning backdrop for the event. Matched by the delicious food featuring recipes from REPAST, prepared by our own Chef, Miss Jodi Chard and a showcase of Musical and Speech and Drama performances from some of our talented students, added to the uniqueness of the evening. In presenting the Chairman’s address, Dr David Lim announced his retirement as Chairman of College Council to take effect at the end of the 2018 academic year. During his 9 years of dedicated service, David will be remembered for his considerable achievements more recently as Chair. Elected to College Council in 2009, Dr Lim is a member of Ashfield Presbyterian Church and the parent of two ex-PLC Sydney students who each enjoyed their time at the College. As a Council member during Rev. Peter Hastie’s time as Chair, Dr Lim sat on all College Council committees providing the requisite experience to lead them well. David has overseen continues next page... continued on Page 2...
24 AUGUST TO 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 Kindergarten Orientation Session 2 + THRASS WAIS Study Tour Farewell and Drama Presentation Boarders' Weekend WAIS Study Tour depart Boarders' Chapel Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement IPSHA Athletics Junior School Fathers' Day Breakfast IGSSA Trip 2 - Netball and Hockey Fathers' Day Boarders' Chapel Foundation Capital Campaign Committee Meeting Grandparents' Day Starry Night of Music at NECOM Days for Girls Sewing and Packing Boarders' Church Service at St Paul's
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Dr Lim is noted for his warm and friendly manner, his openness, integrity and the ability to build an atmosphere of trust within the Council and wider community. He has been incredibly approachable and ready to chat to anyone and everyone at PLC Sydney and Armidale. David has been a regular attendee and speaker at PLC Armidale’s annual events, including Valedictory and Speech Day. During his tenure, Dr Lim has been instrumental in key appointments to both PLC Sydney and PLC Armidale, including the current Principal, my colleague Dr Paul Burgis and myself. Dr Lim enjoys excellent relationships with both principals. The rapport and open communication between the Chair and Head of an Independent School provides a core stability between governance and management which strengthens the whole organisation. He is highly respected by College Council both past and current members for his astute governance - he knows which responsibilities belong to the College Council and which belong to the Executive of each College. Since my appointment to PLC Armidale, Dr Lim and I have enjoyed a close professional rapport accompanied by genuine friendship. His love for the PLC Armidale community and desire to serve through prudent governance has been evident in all our meetings and conversations. Dr Lim takes a genuine interest in both the big picture and fine detail of both Colleges. He is delighted equally by the success of students and staff within each. He has given himself to the development of strategy and vision for PLC Armidale with the same tenacity and commitment as for PLC Sydney.
David’s support for the establishment of PLC Pathways has been in part influenced by his own experience as a young child being sent to Australia from Malaysia to commence High School in a regional boarding school without mastery or command of the English Language. Together with his wife Zhuping Chen, their personal investment of time and willingness to travel has brought a very personal approach to our connection with families and understanding of cross cultural perspectives without which we would have floundered.
NEWS
the governance of PLC Armidale during a time of consolidation, growth and capital improvement. As a medical practitioner with strong research interests, Dr Lim was instrumental in making provision for PLC Armidale to undergo a major refurbishment of its Science Laboratories.
Dr Lim is characterised by his keen sense of humour matched by an equally keen intellect. He is aware both of the rich Christian heritage of the College and the significant role education places in shaping the future of our society. There is a genuine sadness in announcing David’s retirement but a confidence in that he has developed a thoughtful and able College Council. PLC Armidale is delighted to welcome Chair elect, Mrs Leah Russell, who will be the first female Chairwoman for PLC Sydney, but second for PLC Armidale, with Mrs Rosemary Leitch having served in this capacity in the past. It will be a delight to work with Mrs Leah Russell. Her capacity, insight and experience equipping her well for this challenging role. Mrs Russell is a Senior Audit Partner with Crowe Horwath - a part of Findex. She has been a partner for over 10 years, and is responsible for all auditor partner and audit teams in NSW. Mrs Russell is also a Trustee of the NSW Presbyterian Property Trust and has served for the past three years as a member of The Scots College Council. Leah is married to Merrick Russell and they have two boys, Elliot and Charles. She is an active member of Ashfield Presbyterian Church. On behalf of the College, I have offered our congratulations to Leah and warmly welcome her to the position. Whilst Mrs Russell will take up this position following Speech Day, all College Chairs require the endorsement of the full assembly of the Presbyterian Church at their annual meeting to receive full tenure. This will take place in mid 2019.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, MRS SHONA EICHORN I am currently working overseas on an AGSA sponsored Advancement Tour of the USA with AskRight from August 16 to 28, where I will only be checking emails infrequently. At the conclusion of the tour, I will be on annual leave from August 29 until September 27. During this time, there will be no one acting in my role, however, for information on the following please contact the relevant people listed below: Events & Communications - Mrs Nicky Webster events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Enrolments - Mrs Sally McCook enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.eduau Pathways - Miss Amy Chiu achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au REPAST purchases - Sue Westley - aa@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Advertising & Marketing - Dina Floros - ea@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Or contact any member of the PLC Armidale Executive team on 02 6770 1700
Any stories to tell? Should you wish to have any achievement or activity promoted, please send the information to events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Shona Eichorn • Director of Development Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Nicky Webster • Events & Communications Assistant Amy Chiu • Pathways Liaison events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
AND… don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook and Instagram! 02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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For enquires, please contact Events and Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster
events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
EVENTS
Upcoming Events 2018
AUGUST Junior School Fathers' Day Breakfast and Chapel Service Thursday 30 August • From 7.45am Junior School Undercover Area
RSVP by Monday 27 August juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
SEPTEMBER 2018 Principal's Regional Tour TAMWORTH - Thursday 6 September • 5.30pm - 7pm at Ruby's Cafe RSVP events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Annual Grandparents' Day Friday 7 September • 8.40am - 11.30am Light morning tea provided. Bookings are essential for catering purposes by Monday 3 September www.trybooking.com/WGGP
Annual
Starry Night
of Music
To celebrate the music of PLC Armidale
Friday 7 September • 6.00pm - 7.30pm NECOM (New England Conservatorium) Purchase tickets by Monday 3 September at www.trybooking.com/WGGE Adults $15 • Children $10 • Family $30
Year 7 Sleepover & Experience Day Thursday 20 September 4pm - Friday 21 September Opportunity to see for yourself how girls flourish at PLC Armidale
RSVP enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
OCTOBER Kindergarten / Junior School Orientation Friday 26 October • 5.30pm - 6.30pm 'Eat & Beat' - A fun afternoon/evening of food and creative arts for all! RSVP juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Anna Caldwell, Head of Senior School
We have made it to the middle of Term 3 already and it is all systems go! Our Year 12 students completed their Trial HSC Examinations last week and I would like to commend them all for their maturity and focus during this time. We missed seeing them around the College and look forward to sharing their last remaining weeks of this term with them. On Tuesday evening we enjoyed ‘Oeuvre’, where we all got to see our Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Extension English, Extension History and Music students’ HSC Major Works. The talent of our students never ceases to amaze. Whilst our senior girls were sitting their examinations and completing their major works, our younger students have been just as busy completing more ICAS, Speech and Drama and Music exams. This week saw our Athletics Team head to Sydney for the 2018 IGSSA Athletics Carnival and we are now busy preparing for the next IGSSA Netball and Hockey trip to Sydney, our Grandparents' Day and the Starry Night of Music.
Leadership
are player and supporter codes of conduct that we must all abide by. Sportsmanship is a style, an attitude, and something that we should all display positively in all our interactions with each other every day.
How can we demonstrate good sportsmanship in real-life, every day? • Play by the rules. • Attend all trainings, rehearsals and practices. • Work hard and realise that everyone on each team deserves a chance to play, be included and have a go. • Talk politely and courteously towards everyone, including your teammates, your opponents, your coaches, their coaches, the officials presiding over the competition and all spectators. This goes for before, during and after the event or game. • Keep your cool, even if others are losing their temper, you do not have to as well. Maintain high standards and integrity.
All nominations and manifestoes for Prefect and Leadership positions have now been received. Thank you to the girls in Year 11 who have stepped out of their comfort zones and have put themselves forward to be considered for these leadership positions.
• Cheer your teammates on with positive statements, do not put anyone else down.
Speeches by those who have nominated will be delivered on Wednesday in Week 6 and interviews will be conducted during Week 7 for those who are nominated for Head and Deputy Head Prefect. Voting will take place in Week 8.
• Whether you win or lose, congratulate your opponents on a game well played.
Manifestos will be on display in the foyer of the library for all to read.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Notes
• When officials make a call, accept it gracefully even if it goes against you. Remember they are human too and are doing their best, just as you are.
I encourage everyone to finish this term full of PLC Pride and demonstrate good sportsmanship in all that we do.
Uniform Please ensure all items of school uniform are named.
PLC PRIDE - Sportsmanship In assembly on Monday I spoke about the importance of good sportsmanship and showing PLC Pride through good sportsmanship in the way that we handle both victory and defeat with grace, style and dignity and not going into every event with a ‘win at all costs’ attitude. Sportsmanship is defined as playing fair, following the rules of the game or competition, respecting the judgement of referees and officials and treating your teammates and your opponents with respect. Sportsmanship is not just reserved for those who are competing, it also applies to all coaches and supporters who need to be aware of how they behave during competition and the impact that they can have on everyone around them. There
IGSSA Athletics - 23 August
SAVE THE DATE: VALEDICTORY ASSEMBLY AND DINNER Thursday 27 September OLD GIRLS’ REUNION WEEKEND WITH HIGH TEA 26 to 28 October
High Tea Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/WFOA
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Fiona Wake, Head of Junior School
Welcome to Term 3 Week 5! Week 5 saw our girls participating in the PSSA Sports Carnival at Armidale High, attendance at a Drama Performance ‘The Gruffalo’, Gymnastics during 3-6 Sport and ICAS Mathematics Examination. The girls have also made new friends all the way from China. The Study Tour group from the Wuhan Australian International School leave on Sunday 26 August. This is a small group of only 9 students ranging from Years 2 to 6 with two of their teachers giving up their summer holidays to be here and experience life in an Australian school. They are all delightful, and have thoroughly enjoyed the many and varied experiences that are part and parcel of life and work for us here, but are quite striking for our newcomers. The size of the school grounds and the clean (if somewhat brisk!) Armidale air has been appreciated by all of them and the kids have discovered the wonders of the trampoline and play spaces as well. Most of their days have been spent in intensive English classes we have prepared for them in the Senior School. We have had specialist staff come in to create and deliver a program specifically for them and to quickly build language skills to interact with English speakers. They have also had some opportunities to have meals with local families and see some of the sights in and around town. There will be a few lessons this week where the girls will get to participate in class and develop the friendships they have already begun to nurture with some of our PLC girls, who have been amazing in making them feel very welcome.
In true PLC Style, our girls have welcomed our visitors with open arms, kindness and acceptance. It was amazing to see the girls from the Homework Centre interacting with the Chinese children in the playground, laughing, smiling, pushing each other on the swings, yet not understanding the language of each other.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School News
Junior School Orientation 2 Today the Junior School open its doors and welcome students to experience a day of learning at PLC. Junior School Orientation Session 1 was a great success and saw our PreK students visiting the Kindergarten classroom in preparation for 2019. The girls enjoyed games, a shared reading experience and craft before moving to the playground for morning tea with students, staff and parents. continues next page...
What is happening over the following weeks in the Junior School? WEEK 6 • IPSHA: Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 August • Fathers' Day Breakfast Thursday 30 August • SRC Badge Ceremony/Chapel Service Thursday 30 August • Da Vinci Decathlon Thursday 30 August • Year 3-6 Gymnastics • Father’s Day Sunday 2 September
More Dates for the Diary... • Grandparents' Day and Starry Night of Music Friday 7 September • Junior School Open Afternoon Friday 26 October
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
BOOK WEEK! Importance of reading… To celebrate Book Week 2018, our Junior School opened up the Library doors and welcomed the opportunity for students and parents to participate in activities relating to the theme ‘Find Your Treasure’. Lunchtime sessions saw the girls creating beautiful artworks, craft creations, reading in a quiet corner and making pirate hats and eye patches. Kindergarten explored the letter ‘Pp’ and their work will be displayed in the Library for all to see.
The Book Week theme for 2018 is…
Find Your Treasure! Book Donation NEW OR USED A book basket will be placed in the Junior School Foyer so you can donate a book that can be donated to Charity.
It is my pleasure to present to you our Semester 2 2018 Students Representative Council members. I would also like to congratulate and thank our outgoing Semester 1 SRC members who have done a fabulous job upholding their responsibilities as Council members.
SRC Members for Semester 2, 2018 Kindergarten: Eleanor Pankhurst and Lilly Watts Year 1: Lily Belford and Ava Greatrex Year 2: Lily Donaldson and Sharni Webb Year 3: Annie Wake and Amelia Webb Year 4: Annabelle Mills and Lailah Nelson-Straub Year 5: Sophie Young and Teya Catterall
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SPORT
Around the Grounds Sports Report Peter Le Surf, Director of Sport
As we start to approach the “business end” of the season in all winter sports, it is time to stop and have a look at why children play sport. The number one reason that children play sport is “they want to have fun with their friends!” For most children, it is not about winning. Yes, we all want to win, however, it is not the main reason for competing. When we list the top reasons children play sport, “winning” does not even rate in the top ten. A recent study by the Institute for the Study of Youth Sport (Michigan) found that “even at the high school level, most kids would rather play on a losing team than sit on the bench of a winning one. That doesn’t mean that kids don’t value winning, just that they prefer playing.” Junior sport is about improving their skills and teaching them some very important “life lessons” along the way. The lessons we should be encouraging are:
• Teamwork and leadership • Accepting others may be better or worse than you • Sportsmanship Most children do not go on to become professional sports people and research tells us that over 70% of children drop out of sport by the time they reach 13 years old, because it is no longer fun! I would like to encourage all players, in all sports, to enjoy the remaining few weeks of the season. If your team makes the semi finals, or whether they don’t, go out and celebrate as a team. Celebrate the fact that you have had this time to spend with an amazing group of girls who will, most likely, become lifelong friends.
Second Trip for IGSSA Netball & Hockey Competition On Thursday 30 August, we return to Sydney to compete in our second weekend of IGSSA hockey and netball. Our first weekend was mixed results for most teams. The weekend's results will decide whether we make the semi finals. All of our teams are in with a chance of making the final series, if they can win their remaining games. I would like to wish all our representative teams all the very best and remember:
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SPORT
Junior School Sport Lucy Donaldson
PSSA Athletics Carnival
Summer Sport
A great day was had at the annual PSSA Athletics Carnival, held at Armidale High School on Friday 17 August. PLC was represented with a strong team of 24 competitors and a summary of the results will be published next edition. Thank you to the girls for a wonderful day and to the parents who were able to come along and support.
It’s time to start thinking about summer sport! Please ask your daughter/s to sign up for her chosen sport/s on the sheets on the Junior School Sports noticeboard, or for the younger students, please email myself or Mrs Young with what they would like to do, so that they can be placed into a team.
IPSHA Athletics Good luck to the 20 PLC Junior School girls who will be traveling to Sydney with Mrs Donaldson and Mrs Wake to compete in the IPSHA Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 29 August. We wish you the best of luck!
Hockey and Netball Finals Good luck to all teams involved in the finals in the coming weeks. What a great season 2018 has been and congratulations to all teams and coaches for your achievements.
Options: • Indoor Hockey (K-6) - Friday afternoon games at PLC, TAS or AHS • Basketball (K-6) - Monday afternoon games at the Den, AHS • Touch Footy (Y4-Y6) - Thursday afternoon games at Rologas Fields.
Upcoming Sporting Events • IPSHA Athletics Carnival, Sydney Olympic Park Wednesday 29 August
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CO-CURRICULAR
Cattle Team Report Seven members of the Cattle Team travelled to Brisbane for a week from 4 August, where they competed in a variety of events at the Royal Queensland Show. The girls exhibited 10 head of cattle in total. In the stud cattle section the girls led Brahmans (kindly loaned by Jason and Rachael Leitch) and Red Polls owned by Tim Light. The Lagoona Red Polls did extremely well in the ring, taking out the major awards: Junior Champion Female – Lagoona Qinta led by Paris Whibley; Grand Champion Male – Lagoona Oreo led by Tim Light; Senior Champion and Grand Champion Female – Lagoona Nichola led by Meg Kealey and Lagoona Montana Miss led by Charlotte Lamaro. PLC Armidale heifer Helga, led by Paris, achieved 2nd place on the hoof and 3rd place on the hook and we couldn’t be happier! The girls also entered the Junior Judging. The school’s team consists of Lily Coleman, Meg Kealey and Paris Whibley. These girls were able to make it to 4th place from a field of 24 schools. This was a fabulous effort! Thank you so much to the following families who assisted with catering, transport and more: Lamaro, Coleman, Whibley, Crowley, Leitch, Hayes, Kealey and Looker. Your support is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the girls, who have worked diligently over many months to prepare the cattle for such a prestigious event. Judy Miller Cattle Team Coordinator
Congratulations to Paris Whibley, Year 10 on her First place trophy in the U16 Stockwhip Challenge at the EKKA in Brisbane. Paris also did extremely well in the Cattle Parading! She is pictured with her family - all successful whip crackers!!
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HUMANITIES
HUMANITIES NEWS Kate Clynch, Head of Humanities
Poetry in Action Students from Years 6 to 11 were delighted to have Team Raven from ‘Poetry in Action’ visit PLC Armidale recently. The touring group of actors performed two very different and exciting shows for our appreciative audiences. 'The Poet’s Quest’ was an exciting lesson in the joy of language, with accompanying songs and dances for students in Years 6, 7 and 8, that brought poetry and poetic techniques to life for the students. Senior students attended ‘Fact vs Fiction’, an exploration of the power and impact of language, speeches and poetry in real and fictional worlds. This powerful performance asked the big questions, giving students the critical literacy tools to question and challenge the wealth of information in our modern world. Students enjoyed both of these performances, and have asked that Poetry in Action come back to PLC to perform every year! www.poetryinaction.com.au
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HUMANITIES
Stage 4 Archaeology Talk This week, our Stage 4 History students had a special visit from Dr Pam Watson, a highly trained Archaeologist, as part of their History studies. Dr Watson gave students real insight into what is archaeology and key features of an archaeological site. The girls were captivated by her fascinating stories and discoveries as part of her extensive work in Jordan, Egypt and our local area. We are very grateful to have had Dr Watson join us to share her valuable knowledge and look forward to continuing to work with her. Ms Tessa Roe
SPEAKING 4 THE PLANET Recently our Years 9 and 10 students Thurkka Jeyakumar, Jessica Li, Mae Yee, Olivia Parsons and Pearl Rogers attended this year's 'Speaking 4 the Planet' competition held at the Armidale Regional Council. This competition invited students to prepare entries for this year's United Nations World Environment Day theme of 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. This was a great opportunity to hear from students across the region and their solutions to address this issue now and into the future. Congratulations to Thurkka Jeyakumar for her winning performance in the impromptu speech section and Mae Yee who received runner up for her insightful artwork. Well done girls! Ms Tessa Roe
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Thank you to families who hosted our visitors with home-cooked meals
PATHWAYS
STUDY TOURS FROM CHINA: Report to follow in next Lion's Roar
" We wanted to let you know what a fun time we had... They were so friendly, polite and willing to chat in their beginner English with us - they were absolutely delightful! They loved our border collie, Monty, and their phones were particularly busy when he was chasing frisbees in the backyard. We took Monty for a walk - each keen to have a turn of holding his leash - and managed to see a few kangaroos up the hill just as it was getting dark. Back at home the kids spent most of their time before dinner playing foosball and afterwards playing table tennis with our son. Everyone ate up the lasagne, salad and mini pavlovas without hesitation. After dinner the kids all rushed to huddle around the sink to wash their plates under the running water - we were so impressed with their diligence! The gifts they brought from China were lovely, and it was also very thoughtful of PLC to send the box of chocolates with the students - thank you so much."
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PATHWAYS
STUDY TOUR FROM CHINA:
" We had a great night and it was really interesting seeing the cultural differences in family life too. The students loved the trampoline, swing set, raking leaves in the garden, carrying wood for the fire, laying on the trampoline looking at the stars, playing with my kids' toys and one of them even read my girls some bedtime stories! My girls loved having the kids over too."
" The visit with the Chinese was quite fun. We took them for a walk around the farm, toasted marshmallows in our fire pit out the back and had traditional sausages, pavlova and lamingtons. My girls loved the bush dance too!"
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PATHWAYS
STUDY TOUR FROM CHINA: Bush Dance
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PATHWAYS
STUDY TOUR FROM CHINA: Concert
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Alison Spencer, Head of Boarding
Leo the Spoodle has now been with us for two weeks and already he is adapting to his new life as a boarder at PLC. He is a fantastic new member of our community and has been warmly appreciated by many of the girls for his friendly and calm disposition. He does like his exercise, and quite a few of the girls have been keen to take him on long walks and had some exercise themselves! Often girls from a number of year groups will sit together to pat and play with Leo, so there's quite a neat extra focus for community living when he is around.
In other news, a new bike shed has been built by the maintenance team which is great for keeping the school bikes safe, out of the weather and readily accessible. Now we need some more bikes! It would be great to be in a position to have a whole year group go on a bike excursion, so if any families have bikes in good condition that they would be willing to donate, please let Mrs Spencer know.
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BOARDING
Boarding News
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MUSIC
Music Matthew Minter, Director of Music
Oeuvre Our Year 12 students presented some of their excellent, high quality final HSC pieces to a large gathering in the Creative Arts Foyer and Music Room. A delightful evening was had by all accompanied by some delicious food platters. Congratulations to Lucy Quast, Jessica Hughes and Saskia Kennett for their fine performances of parts of their HSC performance programs. The girls have worked very hard on these music works for a long time and are performing at a very high level. The audience were captivated by what was a fantastic program overall with a lot of variety from Jessica's virtuosic performance of the violin work Prelude and Allegro by Kreisler to Saskia's lovely and moving rendition of Fragile by Sting to Lucy's very authentic and captivating performance of an Icelandic work for voice accompanied by a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Thank you very much to our accompanying musicians, Li Ling Chen, Robyn Bradley, Warwick Dunham, Sam Jacometti and Arlene Fletcher and to the families of the students for their tireless support of the girls over the many months of preparation of these major works.
Jacaranda Social Club Jess and Lucy perform at the Jacaranda Social Club.
PLC girls in 'Madame Butterfly' Rachael Kenrick, Keira Peet, Maggie Ryan, Sophia Smart, India Smith, Kaylee Swick and Abigail Thompson.
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Jess & Lucy at Jacaranda Social Club
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PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care Events Paula Goode, Pastoral Care Coordinator
What is a sense of belonging and is it important? Having a sense of belonging is a common experience. Belonging means acceptance as a member or part. Such a simple word for a huge concept. A sense of belonging is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. Feeling that you belong is most important in seeing value in life and in coping with intensely painful emotional times. Some people find belonging in a church, some with friends, some with family and some on Twitter or other social media. Some see themselves as connected only to one or two people. Others believe and feel a connection to all people the world over, to humanity. Research shows that a sense of belonging fosters achievement and motivation at school and can help to ward off mental illness, such as depression and anxiety. In school, a sense of belonging is seen as the degree to which students feel respected, accepted and supported by teachers and peers. It has been linked to students’ attention and effort in class and their persistence and completion of learning activities. Below is a YouTube clip that helps explain the importance in a sense of belonging at school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time continue=123&v=6kGpk8-baMM
Some students struggle to find a sense of belonging and their loneliness is physically painful for them. Some seek belonging through excluding others. That reflects the idea that there must be those who don't belong in order for there to be those who do. Yet a single instance of being excluded can undermine self-control and well-being and often creates pain and conflict. To build a sense of belonging requires active effort and practice. Ways to work on increasing your sense of belonging: • Look for ways you are similar with others instead of focusing on ways you are different. • Build your own sense of belonging, work on acceptance of others. To accept others and views that are not the same as yours may require that you open your thoughts to the idea that there is value in everyone's thinking. • Try saying yes to opportunities to be with others and then throw yourself in to whatever the activity is. Let go of your judgments. Judgments build walls. Focus on people. • Watch your words and your way of thinking. Some words create separateness and others promote togetherness. A sense of belonging to a greater community improves your motivation, health, and happiness.
According to international research, prioritising belonging within school culture is essential. If done effectively, educators can support students’ emotional and social development and enhance their motivation, effort and achievement throughout secondary school. When students feel they’re part of a school community, they will actively engage in academic and nonacademic activities. This next YouTube clip outlines mental health benefits when kids feel they belong at school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_ continue=60&v=RSCID1BPFBc
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PASTORAL CARE
Sense of Belonging Why is it So Important? Throughout history the idea of belonging to a ‘tribe’ or a ‘people’ has helped us to protect and define ourselves. Belonging helps us feel: • valued, needed, and accepted by others • safer • that our beliefs are valid • that our efforts are worthwhile • comforted by being with others who share our interests and values.
Without a strong Sense of Belonging, we can feel: • anxious • isolated • unsupported. We are also less likely to: • interact with others • weather tough times with hope for a positive future • take healthy risks and do things that might help make us feel good.
Belonging Requires Effort There are lots of groups we can belong to, including: •
family
•
friendship
•
sporting
•
community
•
interest
•
on-line groups
•
spiritual groups.
We often play very different roles in each of those groups. Knowing our roles and responsibilities in a group helps strengthen both the group and our Sense of Belonging. Being part of one or more groups can make us feel really good. But to be valued members, we often have to: • •
invest our time, care, and effort use skills like: •
joining conversations
•
cooperation
•
perspective-taking
•
negotiation
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conflict resolution.
What if I Feel Like I Don’t Belong? None of us can belong to all the groups we’d like to, but it is really important that we feel we belong somewhere and have some connections. If you do feel cut off or isolated, talking with a trusted friend, adult or health professional can really help. Some other helpful resources include:
WEBSITES www.youthbeyondblue.com www.lifeline.org.au www.sane.org www.reachout.com www.headspace.org.au www.somazone.com.au www.inspire.org.au
HELPLINES Youthbeyondblue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Sane Australia: 1800 18 7263
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
ONLINE COUNSELLING www.kidshelp.com.au
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WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH
insights Four critical tools for kids’ anxiety management by Michael Grose
Anxiety disorders are currently taking a heavy toll on Australian children and young people. It’s been estimated that there will be at least four children in every Australian classroom who are experiencing an anxiety disorder at some stage during a year. Anxiety is not restricted to secondary schools either, with children as young as four now presenting with symptoms of anxiety, manifested in headaches, tantrums and refusal to go to school. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is still a stigma attached to anxiety as people still seem to associate it with weakness and don’t understand the difference between normal feelings of stress and crippling anxiety. Anxiety is normal Anxiety is the body’s response to fear, real or perceived. It’s our body’s way of protecting us when we’re in danger. It’s completely normal to feel anxious from time to time. A child might feel anxious about speaking in front of their class or a teen might feel anxious about an exam. Those anxious feelings can act as a motivator to do more revision or be better prepared. With ‘normal’ anxiety, when the stressful event has passed, the anxious feelings pass too. We can liken our anxiety response to a smoke alarm. The alarm is designed to alert us to fire, a danger that can threaten our lives. Anxiety becomes a problem when the mind’s alarm system is extremely sensitive and responds when there’s no genuine danger present. Anxiety needs to be addressed when it starts interfering with daily life. Kids and teens with anxiety experience the symptoms when they’re actually quite safe; the danger is only imagined. And sometimes anxiety shows up for no reason at all. Parents are well positioned to provide kids with the tools and skills to regulate their anxiousness. Here are four critical skills to teach kids to help them self-manage feelings of anxiousness:
We're a Parenting Ideas school
parentingideas.com.au/schools
1. Breathing to calm down the anxiety When it comes to calming down anxiety, the brain ‘listens’ to the body. Kids and teens can show their brain they’re safe using deep, slow breathing. This type of breathing helps bring the brain down from high alert and signals the nervous system to begin to return to normal. Encouraging kids to practise deep breathing in between times of high anxiety is essential. By practising, they’re preparing their body to also be able to calm down using breathing when the fight or flight response is in full swing. 2. Mindfulness to bring kids into the present Generally kids become anxious about future events such as giving a talk, starting secondary school or going into an unfamiliar situations. They can be perfectly safe yet their bodies can respond as if they are in danger because they are thinking about what may happen. Mindfulness is a great tool to bring kids into the present and relieve them of their feelings of anxiousness. 3. Exercise to dissipate anxiety Exercise plays a huge role in anxiety management, yet children’s lifestyles are increasingly sedentary. Exercise and movement help kids regulate their moods and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Play and exercise help to ease muscle tension, regulate breathing and induce the release of ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters. 4. Thought-noticing to shift thinking Thought-noticing is a wonderful skill set that helps kids to better manage their mental health. When kids tune into their thinking, they can immediately distance themselves from it. Rather than being lost in the thoughts that are making them feel anxious, they can mentally step back and see the thought for what it is – a thought which comes and goes, and not a fact. Breathing, mindfulness, exercise and thought-noticing are best taught and practised when kids are not under stress. They are most effective when they become an entrenched part of kids’ lifestyles rather than an activity to be called upon from time to time.
Michael Grose Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.
We're a Parenting Ideas school
parentingideas.com.au/schools
THE UNIFORM SHOP Welcome Dear Parents and Guardians, As most of you may be aware PLC Armidale has formed a partnership with Alinta Apparel to supply School Uniforms to all students. The Shop Hours are: Tuesdays and Thursday between 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:30pm. You can contact the shop on: 02 6770 1703 plcarmidale@alinta.com.au To make a fitting appointment, review prices or place an order online. Please create an account at: www.alintaapparel.com.au
COMMUNITY
Thank You Uniform Shop
Headspace is a National Youth Mental Health Organisation. Free, self-referred counselling to young people aged 12-25 with a focus on their overall well-being. For further information please contact:
Laura Murray 02 6738 7216 • l.murray@centacarenenw.com.au Centacare building, 150 Rusden Street Armidale
Sometimes, we all need someone different to talk to.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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HAVE YOU REGISTERED WITH YOUR FREE DIGITAL NOTICE BOARD? The site is FREE to use for parents and schools benefit from commercial advertising revenue which is shared directly with member schools for internal fundraising.
www.schoolnoticesoz.com
Supporting school fundraising through communication georgie@schoolnoticesoz.com + 61(0)419 402 666 kate@schoolnoticesoz.com +61(0)474 850 540 02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Purchase your copy of
Please come to the main reception to purchase your copy.
Commemorating and celebrating the people, the provisions and the perspectives of PLC Armidale’s past and present community
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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SENIOR SCHOOL
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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COMMUNITY
A MUSICAL FEAST FOR THE SENSES! As a rare treat for the region, Opera North West is set to excite audiences once again with an event of unsurpassed quality. Opera North West, the producers of major regional event, Opera in the Paddock, is delighted to present Banquet: A Musical Feast, at the Armidale Town Hall on Friday 21st September and Inverell Town Hall on Saturday 22nd September. With the long-awaited return to the New England of internationally renowned bass baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, the two gala concerts will provide a feast for the senses. This will be Teddy’s second appearance with Opera North West, following his triumphant performance at Opera in the Paddock in 2016. Teddy Tahu Rhodes will be joined on stage by lyric coloratura tenor Henry Choo, rising star mezzo soprano Ruth Strutt and celebrated soprano and Artistic Director of Opera North West, Peta Blyth. Acclaimed pianist Rhodri Clarke, will accompany the stellar line-up of performers in a superb evening of beautiful music. The carefully selected program will feature solos, duets, and quartets, soaring with the exuberance of folk songs, musicals and the passion of grand opera. And with music that soars with the ecstasy of love; with the pain of jealousy; with the agony of betrayal, lust and revenge, there is no doubt that Banquet: A Musical Feast will hit a new high note for all lovers of fine entertainment in 2018. Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com Further information: www.operainthepaddock.com.au Tel: 1800 240 301
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SENIOR SCHOOL
Speak to…
WHO: WHEN: WHERE: COST:
Year 7 in 2018 - 23 years old 26 December 2018 - 1 January 2019
…if you are interested in coming to Camp
The Tops Conference Centre, Bendena Gardens Rd, Stanwell Tops Super Early Bird
$410 (closes 24/9)
Early Bird
$460 (closes 5/11)
Normal
$515 (closes 3/12)
Discounts
$30 for additional family members
Further subsidies available by contacting the office
TRANSPORT: TRAINING:
For families in the North, South and West of NSW there are buses being organised to transport Campers and Leaders to and from Camp. Interested in training to be a leader? Contact with us about our Summer Internship and learn to lead in all of life.
LEADERS:
Do you have a heart to serve young people? Do you enjoy community with fellow believers? Come to Camp and lead young people in following Christ. We also need people passionate about caring for younger children, skilled in sound/lighting and many other roles. Contact the office for more information.
CONTACT:
camps@pynsw.org.au or 8567 4700
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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