Junior School

Leadership

In the Junior School, our year began with a focus on leadership. We started by recognising the exemplary qualities of our Year Six girls, who were officially inducted as student leaders of the Junior School in Week 3. From there, we acknowledged the Years 3-6 Class Captains, as well as our SRC representatives, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. These girls have been handpicked by their peers and teachers for their ability to inspire and motivate others, communicate effectively and positively impact their classroom, year level and the entire school community. As student leaders, they have a significant role to play in representing the interests and concerns of their classmates to our Junior School Leadership Team, setting an example for others to follow, and helping to create a culture of respect and kindness that is an essential part of our ethos. Through their leadership roles, our student leaders will have the opportunity to grow as individuals while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

While being a good leader is undoubtedly important, it is equally essential to recognise the value of being a good follower. In fact, those who are the first to follow a leader can be just as influential as the leader themselves. Followers are the ones who buy into the leader’s vision and create an environment where others feel safe, inspired and motivated to join in. A good follower is someone who chooses to follow the right things and actively contributes to positive changes. To create a school culture that embodies values such as kindness, inclusivity, encouragement and excellence, it is crucial to not only lead by example, but be quick to join in when you see someone else demonstrating these positive behaviours - be quick to follow

True leadership goes beyond formal titles or positions. It is a call to action that anyone can answer – an invitation for everyone to step up and make a difference in their own unique way. I look forward to watching our Junior School girls take on the challenge this year of influencing our school community and helping to foster a positive culture that makes everyone feel seen and valued.

Melissa Voce Head of Junior School

I am very honoured and excited to be leading this year’s Student Representative Council (SRC) as Junior School Captain. I vividly remember, as an eager little Prep student, curiously peeking through the window of the SRC classroom and wishing that I could help make the ANZAC wreaths. Who would have known that six years later, I would be lucky enough to be part of the SRC team!

To me, being a leader means serving others in any way we can. For example, we can help pack up toys in the classroom even though we didn’t create the mess, cheer someone up if they are not feeling their best or celebrate someone’s uniqueness at every opportunity. All of us can lead regardless of whether we have a badge or not. This selflessness and humility is what the SRC team hopes to embody this year.

School is filled with all kinds of people, just like a galaxy of stars. Some stars are red, some are blue or even orange. Every star radiates light in its own special way. Similar to a star, everyone has a unique perspective and contributes in their own way. These differences are what make it a memorable voyage for us. We may encounter magnificent stars that take our breath away and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves. At times, we may need to escape from a black hole that is sucking our energy or dodge an icy comet hurtling at us as an obstacle to overcome.

This leads me to draw an analogy between the SRC team and the International Space Station (ISS) crew. Both teams operate in a busy, process-driven environment that has many moving parts. Teamwork and collaboration are essential for crew members on board to operate cohesively and create something wondrous. Each crew member has a unique part to play and brings to the role courage in the face of the unknown and skilful thinking to solve problems that they have never seen before.

Whether we are reaching for the stars literally or figuratively, being an SRC Member helps develop and hone many leadership skills such as:

• listening and being open to ideas

• sharing and collaborating with classmates, friends and family

• seeking feedback on ideas

• using your initiative to help people without being asked

• helping people feel included

• treating your belongings with respect

• designing solutions to problems

• encouraging others to grow and make great choices

• identifying ways to improve the school

Year 6 Investiture Assembly

Our Year 6 Investiture was a splendid experience as we were officially presented with our shiny badges as the leaders of the Junior School. After having a few rehearsals just before the special day, we knew perfectly well what we were doing. On the day of the Assembly, most girls were buzzing with excitement, not able to hold it in, as the rest of the Junior School and our parents piled into the hall. I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but my nerves

Junior School Sports

Our PLC students have been participating in a variety of sporting activities such as Junior Joggers, Huff and Puff, Running Group, Tennis Works, Junior Netters, Saturday Netball, Inter-School Sport, School Sport Victoria Swimming Competitions and the Lower Primary Sports Carnivals. These activities have all been great opportunities for our girls to develop their physical skills, teamwork and sportsmanship, while also having fun.

In Junior Joggers, Huff and Puff and Running Group, our girls have been improving their endurance and fitness levels, while enjoying the fresh air and were eventually overcome by my excitement. As the booming of pipes and drums filled the air, we entered the hall and marched across to our seats. The moment we had been waiting for, the presentation of badges, came, after an address by Mrs Voce. Students from each class walked onto the stage one by one and Mrs Penberthy presented us with our badges. Once the badges had been given to each student, and we were all back to our seats, we recited the Year 6 Pledge we had been given to memorise. We had a prayer, then we proudly sang the benediction and School Song, which concluded our assembly. As all the girls streamed out, Year 6 students went to look for our parents, who were comfortably sitting at the back of the Hall. We enjoyed a lovely morning tea together after ALL the photos were taken. Morning tea consisted of delectable scones, brownies, and tea for the parents. This was undoubtedly an amazing experience, and I am sure we all will not be forgetting this soon.

Elaine, Year 6 sunshine. They have been setting goals for themselves and working hard to achieve their personal best, whether it's running a certain distance or improving their speed.

The Tennis Works lunchtime lessons have provided our girls with a chance to learn a new sport and develop their hand-eye coordination. They have been working on their footwork, grip and technique, while playing fun games and drills. Our girls have also been able to socialise with their peers and make new friends on the court.

The Junior Netters program and the Saturday Netball Club have provided great opportunities for our girls to work together and improve their teamwork skills. They have been practicing their passing, shooting and defending skills, while learning about the different positions on the court. Our girls have also been enjoying the challenge of match play and implementing many offensive and defensive strategies.

Finally, our annual Lower Primary carnival was a huge success. The girls had been practising their athletics events during Physical Education classes and were very excited to showcase their skills. Cheered on by parents and friends, the girls participated in sprints, hurdles, weaving, long jump, shuttle relay and many other fun activities. The events were conducted by our PLC Junior School Sport and House Captains, all of whom did an outstanding job. At the conclusion of the day, the girls were delighted that their efforts were rewarded with an icy-pole supplied by the Friends of Junior School.

I look forward to leading our Student Representative Council this year and extend congratulations to the girls who have been chosen to represent their year level.

Isabella,

Year 6 Junior School Captain

Our Inter-School Sport Netball and Teeball matches have been a fun and exciting way for our Years 5 and 6 students to learn about the fundamentals of both sports. They have been practicing their hitting, catching, throwing, passing and shooting skills, while playing friendly matches against other Independent girls’ schools.

The PLC SSV Swimming team was made up of our most elite swimmers in the Junior School. They had been training hard to improve their swimming technique, while building their endurance in the water. Our well-trained swimmers swam exceptionally at the District Swimming Competition, earning points for our school and resulting in an exciting and close finish where they achieved equal 1st place for the 2023 Mulgrave District Swimming Championships.

Overall, we are incredibly proud of our girls for their enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to the Sport and Physical Education Program. We believe that these activities not only promote physical fitness and health, but also provide valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication and perseverance. Thank you to all the coaches, teachers and parents who have supported and encouraged our girls in their sporting pursuits. We look forward to continuing to see their growth in Term 2 and beyond.

The Twilight Picnic by Year 1B Girls

On Friday 24 February we experienced the Twilight Picnic. There was a big jumping castle with a big slide. It looked like the sea. At the petting zoo you could pat animals. You could pat bunnies, llamas, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and goats. The animals were soft. You could also decorate cupcakes. We added some colours and candy to the cupcakes. The Junior School teachers served ice cream. I remember Miss Conlon served me ice cream. The Melt Down was quite fun. It had an arm to knock you over. You had to jump over or dive under it. The Twilight Picnic was fun and amazing!

The Twilight Picnic by Year 2 Girls

'It was so great going on all the rides with my friends. I haven’t been to the Twilight Picnic since I was in the ELC, it was so cool to go as a Junior School girl.'

Sienna, Year 2A

'I loved getting my face painted, I even got both my arms painted! It was so much fun walking around with my friend, Emily.'

Katelyn, Year 2A

'My favourite thing was the spinning ride – I wasn’t afraid to go on it. It was fun and not scary!'

Elyssa, Year 2B

'My favourite thing at the Twilight Picnic was patting the animals. They had such soft fur! It was my first time at the Twilight Picnic and it was awesome.'

Mia, Year 2B

'I loved the Chair-O-Plane, it spun around and around. I loved going with my family and I loved seeing my teacher selling ice cream at the ice cream stand.'

Claire, Year 2C

'It was so much fun. We had the best time at the bouncy castle and the face painting. It was so cool being at school at night-time with my friends.'

Ruby, Year 2C