Presbyterian Ladies’ College | Melbourne Issue 118 September 2023
What an action-packed and enjoyable time we had at PLC during Term 2. It was brimming with theatrical and musical performances, sporting events, academic competitions and community celebrations.
Some events were much-loved PLC favourites, such as the Years 11 and 12 formals, where our girls showed their individual sense of style, courteous manners and readiness to include others so that everyone, including invited guests, enjoyed the fun of a special night together.
There was a continual feast of concerts and instrumental soirées, often involving both Junior and Senior School musicians in the same programs. This allows music students from across the College to show their development over the various year levels and to encourage and inspire each other.
This year, the Year 6 Musical was the magical Frozen JR., a simply spectacular production with its uplifting message of courage and hope. The girls showed so much joy in being involved in such a huge team effort.
We marveled at the confidence and talent of our Senior School students as they organised and performed in the talent quest, In the Spotlight. This willingness to share their talents comes from the knowledge that they are in a safe and supportive atmosphere where the other girls encourage and applaud their efforts.
As with all the other musical and dramatic events, I want to sincerely thank all the dedicated and talented staff for their practical support, encouragement and commitment which ensured these events were positive experiences for the students involved.
On the sporting fields, our Junior and Senior students were similarly committed to their chosen sports. Our girls practise such a wide selection of winter sport activities and some of our students have excelled in less well-known student sports
this term, such as aerobics, golf and fencing. It was wonderful to see the girls running around our beautiful autumnal campus as part of their House Cross Country Competition and to attend the House Sports Day.
Despite taking place during the usual Melbourne winter, our Athletics Carnival for Years 3 to 12 enjoyed fantastic weather this year. The exhilarating competition was held at a new venue with first-rate facilities, the Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park. I extend my gratitude to all the staff and supportive parents who contributed to making this such an exciting and enjoyable event.
We encourage girls to continue their interest in sport and wellbeing after they graduate. This is especially fostered through the Old Collegian teams, where former students have the opportunity to participate in tennis, hockey, golf and netball together.
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the annual Driver Cup where the Old Collegian hockey team played the current student team and won. It is through friendly, intergenerational opportunities such as this and the Kellet Cup, that current students are introduced to the wider Old Collegian world.
I would like to pay a special tribute to the families and guardians of our students, who faithfully support the girls so they can attend rehearsals, sports training sessions and events outside school, and sacrifice their own time so that the girls can explore all the marvelous and varied opportunities available to them as part of a PLC education.
I would also like to express my appreciation for the dedicated parent groups who provide practical support and delightful refreshments for the girls at these activities. They offer the additional special touches that girls, parents and staff all greatly appreciate during special events.
The Mother’s Day breakfasts, provided by the Hethersett and Friends of Junior School, were beautifully organised and greatly appreciated by a record-breaking number of parents, keen to socialise and network together. The Year 8 Parents Drinks and Canapés Evening, the Parent Forums and Information Nights also provided opportunities for parents to meet each other and staff.
I attended the Old Collegians’ Association and Lampas AGMs and luncheons where I was able to enjoy meeting Old Collegians and past staff. I look forward to involving both important groups in our planning for the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
I also attended the OCA Sponsorship Luncheon where I was able to personally thank the Old Collegians who so generously contribute to scholarships which allow talented girls to attend PLC who might not otherwise be able to have a PLC education.
Of course, all these special events were underpinned by the outstanding day-to-day work of providing the first-class education which girls experience at the College. You will read in this magazine of the huge range of informal and formal activities, from the ELC to the Senior School, which provide such rich academic offerings.
Your support and partnership have been sincerely valued as we tackle the challenges currently facing independent education in Australia. I also thank the PLC community for its commitment and financial contributions through our Annual Giving Appeal.
I would like to sincerely thank the Council for extending my appointment as Principal. I am very excited about the journey ahead for all of us as members of the wonderful PLC community, working together to further the exceptional educational legacy of this life-changing school.
Cheryl Penberthy Principal
The refreshed expression of PLC’s ethos and our new Strategic Plan clarify our educational intent and set the direction of the College for the next five years. They explain our purpose, how it will be achieved and who we hope to become in the process.
At the heart of both are our girls –their formation and futures.
By framing our explicit intentions, goals and targets around learning, wellbeing and connection, we believe our girls will be given every opportunity to flourish in a context that equally values academic rigour, personal growth and wellbeing.
We have every confidence that, as our dedicated leaders and staff press on with the work of implementing this farsighted Plan, PLC will remain at the forefront of exceptional educational delivery for girls. It is an exciting prospect and a journey we invite you to take with us in a spirit of co-operation and optimism.
Cheryl Penberthy PrincipalWe commend our new ethos and Strategic Plan to you, believing it to embody all that will best serve PLC and the girls within our care in this season. In doing so, we encourage you to play your part by enthusiastically and faithfully living into the full intent of both. The benefits intended will only flow as our aspirations and goals lift off the page and are translated into what we do and how we do it, together, day by day.
As always, you, our students, families, leaders and staff, will be in our prayers as this exciting new venture gets underway. Wisdom, strength, joy and peace to you all.
Rev Mark Chew Chair of CouncilThe clarity of our vision enables us to pursue our purpose passionately. Here is what we would like you to notice:
To form empowered women of character who change the world for good.
To form a student involves a holistic system of education and preparation. It is an intentional approach embedded in the culture, content and conditions of learning that engages individuals and fosters flourishing.
Empowered learners are emotionally intelligent lifelong learners. They increasingly influence and drive their own learning. They have the voice and agency that builds aspiration and the ability to translate it into action. Accomplishment through knowing how to learn develops capable individuals equipped for every stage of life.
Women of character are a gift to humanity. In demonstrating Christian values and practising the way of Jesus, they are salt and light in the world.
Such women are willing and able to make their unique contribution to society in ways that change the world for good and to instigate good change that lasts. This does not happen without intention. It is a choice motivated by a servant heart and a service orientation that values the global community and the common good.
Our mission is what we do on a daily basis in an effort to realise our vision. You will see that it announces intent around excellence, our Christian commitment and holistic approaches that link to our Graduate Outcomes.
Our mission is to deliver an outstanding education within a Christian context that:
• prioritises care
• promotes holistic development and growth
• personalises learning
• provides enriching opportunities
• perpetuates principled living and a service ethic
• prepares students for their time as scholars, thinkers, citizens, advocates, and leaders.
Our values describe how we will go about our mission. In owning and demonstrating them, we develop and embed our culture. We are excited to acknowledge and celebrate all the ways they are expressed by students and adults across our whole campus.
We seek truth and wisdom to determine what is right and then support each other to do what is right.
We aim to recognise, understand and respond appropriately to the thoughts, feelings and circumstances of others. Empathy inspires care, compassion and leadership.
Courage fosters learning, makes us willing to have a go, to advocate and encourage, be strong and endure.
We take the time to let awe and wonder restore and inspire us. Delight sparks our curiosity and creativity, provides perspective and promotes life in all its fullness.
We use our gifts and talents to gladly serve others. To do so is rewarding and fulfilling for us as individuals and a community.
1. Provide Outstanding Opportunities
A. Deliver a future-focused curriculum that equally values all pathways & disciplines
B. Implement personalised learning strategies
C. Promote deep real-world learning
D. Promote student voice, leadership and agency
E. Integrate innovative and meaningful IT into the teaching and learning program
F. Explicitly develop emotional intelligence, social competence and metacognition
G. Build capabilities of all students and staff
2. Nurture Wellbeing
A. Foster and celebrate personal best and balance
B. Integrate whole school preventative wellbeing approaches
C. Make our Christian ethos and College values more visible
D. Strengthen PLC’s culture of belonging, care and inclusion
A. Develop internal and external opportunities for students to learn and socialise together
B. Provide ‘hands on’, authentic service opportunities
C. Improve connection within and across disciplines and sub-schools
D. Strengthen connection with parents and caregivers
3. Foster Engagement STRATEGIES
E. Increase collaboration with Old Collegians
F. Use meaningful traditions to honour PLC’s history and inspire its future
G. Establish an Ethics Institute for PLC and the wider community that aligns with the school’s ethos and promotes ethical living
The Sound the Trumpet concert on Saturday 13 May was a fabulous event held at PLC in the PAC auditorium. This Concert featured the PLC Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Staff Band of the Salvation Army and our special guest for the night, Mr James Fountain, Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra. A full house experienced a wonderful evening of high-quality music. The Symphony Orchestra, conducted by our Director of Music, Mr Richard Squibb, performed a varied program in the first half, which included Danse Villageoise, from Suite Pastorale by Chabrier, and Holst’s A Somerset Rhapsody.
The Senior Strings, led by our Head of Strings, Mr Olivier Bonnici, also performed
on the night and special mention should be made of their performance of Bach’s Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C minor. Both soloists, Clarice Lim (oboe) and Claudia Pak (violin), performed beautifully. However, undoubtedly, the highlight of the first half was the performance by James Fountain of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. We felt very privileged to have a world class performer on stage performing with our Symphony Orchestra here at PLC. His performance of this famous Concerto will be etched in our memories for a very long time. It was an absolute treat to witness such an amazing musician perform so effortlessly.
After interval, the Melbourne Staff Band of the Salvation Army took to the stage and presented a wonderful program of brass playing, which included Allegro
deciso, from Handel’s Water Music, as well as an arrangement of Percy Grainger’s Shepherd’s Hey, arranged by our very own Director of Music. The Melbourne Staff band also accompanied James Fountain for three solos in the second half, which included a beautiful arrangement of the song, How do you keep the music playing?
We were also lucky enough to have James Fountain visit the College during the week to run a masterclass. A number of our trumpet students performed for James and he was able to offer suggestions as to how they could improve and interpret the music. It has been an incredible experience for our brass students, the Symphony Orchestra and our community to have such an amazing musician here at the College.
From 8 to 11 June, PLC hosted 145 teachers from the Asia-Pacific region for a range of IB regional workshops. They provided a platform for teachers, co-ordinators and administrators to gather and exchange ideas, learn new skills and collaborate on best practices in IB education. Attendees ranged from our own PLC staff to educators from other schools in Melbourne and interstate to further afield such as Singapore, India and China.
One workshop was dedicated to the extended essay, one of the core components of the IB. Attendee Siksha Sivaramakrishnan, from PLC’s Mathematics Department, is looking forward to sharing her findings with our extended essay supervisors as part of the IB staff collaboration.
Other workshops were dedicated to individual subjects, allowing participants to receive hands-on coaching from experienced IB trainers,
Girl Power in Engineering and Information Technology (IT) is a fully funded, four-year program for Senior School students from Years 9 to 12. An initiative of the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Melbourne, the program promotes gender equality for women who have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
Historically, there has been a lack of women in engineering and IT, representing only 35% of workers in these areas.
Engineering is a science and technologybased field of study. Depending on the area of specialisation, it entails building, developing, designing and much more. There are numerous specialisations available, including aerospace, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, civil, electrical and spatial. Engineering also involves parts of IT such as programming and 3D design. IT uses computers, software, networks and electronic systems to store, process, transmit and retrieve data and information.
The Girl Power program was a four-day camp consisting of inspiring workshops, educational lectures and collaborative hands-on projects, which gave us an insight into the different pathways which
engage in interactive sessions and network with their peers from other schools. Subjects covered included mathematics, physics, history and Theory Of Knowledge. During lunchtime, attendees were offered the opportunity to tour the school and were particularly impressed with PLC’s science laboratories and art studios.
The IB regional workshops provided a platform for teachers to develop
professionally by engaging in collaborative conversations and forming valuable connections with other IB educators.
We thank everyone involved in the smooth running of these workshops, especially Lisa Saffin, Belinda Lee, Victor Bao and our catering team from Tripas White.
Julie Popplestone IB Co-ordinatorlead to studying engineering and IT. Many of us were surprised by the different fields that engineering had to offer and were all keen to explore it further through the activities and events. Through this journey, we met many successful and influential people, one of whom was Professor Andrew Ooi, a staff member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne and Associate Dean in the Melbourne School of Engineering. His presentation left a deep impression on us with his vast knowledge and great sense of humour.
The Girl Power program was innovative and inspiring to all, encouraging us to do
our best and continue to further explore this career pathway. Many connections developed amongst the students over the journey, which made the program unique and worthwhile.
We recommend that girls in Year 7 and Year 8, with an interest in STEM subjects, apply for this program. We wish to have as many passionate students as possible to take up this valuable opportunity. The program encourages students to think with an open and creative mind and develop unwavering confidence to do whatever they may wish with their abilities.
Congratulations to Chelsea Yang and Lucy Fu from Year 7 who competed at the Australian Intermediate Schools’ Championships. After some great competition and tight results, Lucy finished in eighth place and Chelsea finished in second place overall.
Claire Wu of Year 12 competed in the Independent Secondary Schools’ Golf event in May where she finished in third place overall and qualified for the Independent Schools’ Golf State Final. At this next event, Claire won the Championship and qualified for the All Schools Secondary Golf Finals. Continuing her outstanding performances, Claire achieved third place overall and was selected to be part of the Victorian State team to play at the National Championships in the Gold Coast.
An exciting and successful season for our Aerobics team began with nine team events and 17 individual events attending the regional finals on 12 May. All competitors qualified for the State School Sport Aerobics Finals which were held in early June. The entire team performed brilliantly with eight out of the nine teams and five individuals qualifying to represent Victoria at the National Championships in August. This is one of PLC’s most successful years in School Sport Aerobics. Congratulations to the team and their coaches for these amazing results.
Spoiler alert: PLC achieved wonderful results in the National competition and a full report will be provided in the December issue of PLC in Print.
The GSV Championship Cross Country carnival was held at Cruden Farm in Langwarrin in May. Competing in cold, windy and muddy conditions, our team performed exceptionally well and raced many personal best times on the day. Our Junior and Intermediate teams ran well, both placing second overall in their division. Even more exciting was the whole team effort of being crowned divisional champions and bringing home the overall Division 3 cup! Also to be commended were Ali Seal, Arunika Wali, Ovindee Amarasiri, Mietta Wilson, Iris Lim and Sophie Woodlock who placed in the top 10 of their division.
Our Intermediate and Junior A Hockey teams qualified for the A finals. This placed both teams in the top four out of all the GSV schools. Both teams played extremely well in their semifinals. Although missing out on the grand final, we are extremely proud of their efforts.
Our PLC Junior 6 netball team also qualified for the finals. For many girls in the team, it was their first time playing netball. The team played very well at the State Netball Centre and finished as runners up in their division.
The PLC Allstar Hockey team took on the Old Collegians in the Driver Cup, an annual event that always brings excitement and camaraderie between current and past students. After an exciting match, the Old Collegian team were victorious with a 7-0 win over the PLC Allstars.
This year, the PLC girls were extremely fortunate to be able to hold our annual House Athletics day at Lakeside Stadium. With beautiful weather all day, the Junior School and Senior School students enjoyed an exciting and busy day competing in various events and supporting their Houses. From 100-metre sprints to novelty relays, every girl tried her best as well as having fun with friends. It was also great to see so many parents come along to enjoy the day.
We were extremely fortunate to be able to use such a high-quality facility. All the girls had so much fun competing and cheering on friends, while enjoying the benefits of the sunshine, fresh air and physical exercise.
With so much to organise in such a short time in the lead-up to the House Athletics Day, our House Captains did a fantastic job compiling team lists, organising everyone on the day and putting so much effort into making their costumes, which were a huge hit! The Sports Department equally had a tremendous task to ensure the day ran smoothly. A huge thanks to our House Captains and Sports Department on their phenomenal efforts in producing one of the best House Athletics days that PLC has ever had.
Rachel Langford Sport Captain
Congratulations to Tiffany Lam in Year 10, who was selected to compete in the GSV representative swimming team at the Victorian School Association Competition. The GSV team were the winning female association for the fifth year in a row, beating 12 other female sporting associations eligible for the award.
Congratulations to Felicity Wei in Year 11 who was selected to play in the GSV Premier representative tennis team. Felicity was part of the winning Szili Squad who defeated the Tuddenham Squad: Szili Squad 43 d Team Tuddenham 28.
Our annual House Aerobics Competition in May consisted of two categories, Novice and Advanced. Students worked hard in their House teams since the beginning of term to choreograph, learn and perfect their routines. Wyselaskie Hall was full of music, cheers and spectators. There were many incredible performances with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Congratulations to the House Captains for organising their teams and putting on a great show for the rest of the school.
Participation in the performing arts offers a multitude of benefits to students, extending far beyond the boundaries of the stage. Whether it's acting, singing, dancing or playing an instrument, engaging in the performing arts nurtures crucial life skills, empowers students, bolsters self-confidence and cultivates leadership potential.
The performing arts provide a unique platform for self-expression, enabling students to discover and develop their individual voice. When students immerse themselves in artistic pursuits, they have the opportunity to express their emotions, ideas and perspectives in a safe and supportive environment.
When performing in front of an audience, they learn to embrace vulnerability and overcome stage fright, gradually building their self-confidence.
On these occasions, students learn to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.
They explore new characters, experiment with a variety of artistic techniques and embrace creative challenges. Each small accomplishment – whether it is mastering a dance routine, performing well on their instrument, or flawlessly delivering lines in a play – boosts their self-confidence and reinforces their belief in their abilities.
In the performing arts, collaboration is essential. Students learn to work together as a team, fostering effective communication and interpersonal skills. In group performances, they develop the ability to listen actively, express their ideas, and compromise for the benefit of the collective vision. These skills translate beyond the stage, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in collaborative endeavours throughout their lives.
Participation in the performing arts also nurtures essential leadership qualities. Whether by helping with the directing of a play, choreographing a musical piece or dance routine, or taking on a solo dramatic or instrumental performance,
students are encouraged to accept responsibility and make decisions that impact the artistic outcome. This involvement fosters self-discipline, organisation and the ability to motivate and inspire others.
The performing arts also provide a platform for students to explore their creativity and develop innovative approaches. They are encouraged to think critically, solve problems and make decisions under pressure, skills that are highly transferable to leadership roles in various domains.
Our students are truly blessed to have access to the incredible facilities at PLC, dedicated teachers and mentors, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of artistic pursuits. These allow them the unique advantages of discovering and nurturing their creative talents and building their confidence, leadership potential and life skills.
Melissa Voce Head of Junior School
Roll up, roll up! On Wednesday 29 March, the Year 3 & 4 girls participated in the Dance Expo concert, Cirque de PLC. The show was full of circus-themed dances, including tightrope walkers, acrobats, clowns and ribbon twirlers. All girls performed two class dances, choregraphed by Mrs Johnstone, and performed in two different colourful costumes. Mrs Tweddle choregraphed the tightrope walker dance, which was a beautiful contemporary piece where the girls danced with mini parasols to give the illusion they were balancing way up high on a tightrope! The Betty Caldwell Hall was transformed into a circus tent and the Drama Captains acted as the ringmasters of the show. Many of the girls danced with props, including juggling balls, magic wands, ribbons and top hats. Some girls even performed tricks with magician’s props and on trampolines. Every girl had the opportunity to be front and centre throughout each dance, giving each girl her moment to sparkle! The girls were shining and always smiling during the colourful, bright and enjoyable performance. It was amazing to see how well the Years 3 and 4 girls were able to memorise and perform two class dances in such a short time. Indeed a testament to their hard work, co-operation and collaboration in their Drama and Dance classes. Congratulations to all the Years 3 and 4 dancers and to all the students and staff who helped backstage to organise the wonderful show.
Aimee Johnstone Junior School Drama & Dance Teacher
Frozen JR. was an unforgettable experience for all the 2023 Year 6 students. When the musical was announced, everyone immediately started learning the familiar songs from their favourite childhood movie. During the audition process, many students stepped nervously out of their comfort zone to show-off their talent to Ms Chan and Mrs Johnstone. Shortly after, the roles were announced. Some girls were unsuccessful but demonstrated resilience when supporting their successful peers. After many rehearsals in Music and Drama classes, it was finally show time. Butterflies danced in our stomachs, fluttering faster and faster.
Excited whispers spread out backstage in the wings. We were so excited, stepping onto the vast stage. On stage, we danced with energy and sang our hearts out. As we bowed, our hearts were filled with pride as we had created a sensational musical that everyone enjoyed.
The musical was astounding! The costumes were absolutely gorgeous, giving realism to the story of Elsa and Anna. All the teachers were an immense help backstage and everyone put in a huge effort.
As the performance concluded, we realised that Frozen JR. wasn’t only about Elsa and her beautiful dress. It is all about being free, instead of hiding yourself
and your powers, and being truly loved. As Pabbie says, ‘Love will thaw any frozen heart’. Olaf also stated, ‘Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours’. Who knew Frozen JR. could be so inspirational?
Although at times the rehearsals were tiring, we all agree that the Year 6 musical is definitely a highlight in the Year 6 calendar. We will always cherish the memory of our fabulous Frozen JR. musical. In the words of the character Oaken, ‘Yoo-hoo, bye-bye!’.
Caitlyn Cheng, Mya Li, Anousha Sethi, Heeya Srivastava, Claire Sun and Esha Thomas Year 6 Students
Recently, our College Principal, Mrs Cheryl Penberthy, gathered together with ELC children and staff to celebrate the completion of the final stage of the ELC’s magnificent nature playground.
This enchanting outdoor space has been completely re-designed and rebuilt, blending numerous natural elements that promise to ignite the children’s curiosity and wonder. Play in nature is also a wonderful way to build pathways to calmness and thoughtfulness, and fosters life-long attitudes, dispositions and behaviours that contribute to the wellbeing of both the children and the natural world.
This re-imagined natural play space features winding pathways that meander
through trees and shrubs, encouraging the children to embark on exciting adventures. These trails are designed to foster a sense of exploration, as the children encounter hidden nooks, natural obstacles and intriguing discoveries along the way. The array of spaces to explore and investigate include large log stacks, open grassy hills, musical instruments, weaving poles, vegetable gardens, worm farms, a bush kitchen, tree trunk chalkboards, fruit trees, gumnut houses and a large ‘bird’s nest’ high in the sky!
In recognition of the importance of this natural environment in the lives of our youngest children, all in attendance at our special event witnessed Mrs Penberthy lead the planting of a special symbol of growth and renewal — the new ELC oak tree! Sourced from the mature oaks near the PLC Aquatic Centre, this
seedling allows us to bridge the gap between the past and the present as we sow the seeds for an enlightened future.
The seedling, now firmly rooted in the ELC outdoor environment, embodies the cycle of life and the resilience of nature. As it flourishes and grows within this natural setting, the tree will witness the joy, learning and engagement of the children and staff who form its community. It will gradually transform into a symbol of strength and endurance, providing shade, shelter and nourishment for generations to come. It stands as a living testament to the incredible power of nature and the boundless potential within each of us to thrive and grow.
Deborah Hendren Head of Early LearningThe biennial FMS Chamber Music HighTea was held on Saturday 25 March. It kickstarted 2023 with a bang! Over 100 guests were greeted by a beautifully decorated PAC foyer and enjoyed scrumptious food served by Silver Platter Catering.
Mr Richard Squibb and his dedicated staff put on an amazing program. The many chamber groups impressed our guests with their very high standard of performances.
We had the largest turnout of parents, girls, Old Collegians, PLC Foundation and Council Members and staff since the inception of this event in 2018. This event gave various PLC groups an opportunity to mingle and catch up over good food and music. The funds raised helped to support our FMS bursaries, donations to Music School purchases and activities.
In Term 2, FMS was proud to support the Salvation Army fundraising concert, Sound the Trumpet, on Saturday 13 May. Complimentary tea and coffee was served to over 450 enthusiastic guests who
supported this concert of PLC musicians and the Salvation Army. It was an honour for the musicians and guests to have the London Symphony Principal Trumpet, Mr James Fountain, as the guest artist.
Six days after Sound the Trumpet, FMS volunteer bakers worked their magic again, producing nearly 500 pieces of baked goods to a nearly full house at the Grand Concert on Friday 19 May.
Jazz Cab was held at the end of Term 2 where guests enjoyed food, drinks and music on a cold and rainy night. Hot chocolate was again very popular to help warm everyone up. It was a great way to finish off the term.
2023 has been a very busy year with all music events back in full swing, much to the delight of our PLC music enthusiasts after three years of COVID disruptions!
If anyone is interested in joining the FMS volunteers or committee to assist in any of our events, please email fms@plc.vic.edu.au
Cecilia Ling Friends of Music School President
On Thursday 15 June, the Senior School Parents’ Association joined forces with the Hethersett team to cater to 180 very hungry Year 11 and 12 girls undertaking their GAT exams.
Over 400 sausages were cooked on three large barbecues and served to
The Lampas Society has continued to enjoy social outings, lunches and events throughout the year.
A small group of members enjoyed a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens in March, exploring various hidden gems and particularly the Sensory Garden.
The AGM, held recently in Betty Caldwell Hall, was well attended. Particular
the girls by parents and with the help of Rev Nick Curtis.
Timing was everything as the onehour break, coupled with the large number of customers, didn’t leave any room for error!
Thankfully all were gastronomically satisfied and returned to Wyselaskie Hall to complete their testing.
I thank all parents who assisted on the day, and encourage all PLC parents to join a group and participate in volunteer duties at the College.
Clint Dawson Senior School Parents' Association Presidentthanks were given to retiring Committee members, Pat Ritter and Elaine Fasken. Elaine has kept meticulous minutes for the Committee for the last 14 years for which we are exceedingly grateful!
The Lampas lunch, held on 17 June, provided us with the opportunity to celebrate the life of Peter Ross, Director of Music (1987-2007) and past President of Lampas. Peter had generously bequeathed a print by Old Collegian, Marieke Dench (2002) to the College.
We were entertained by a speech from Jane Routledge, Music Secretary (1986-2009), and friends of Peter. It was a lovely occasion.
We look forward to welcoming all past staff, parents and friends of PLC who join us at our upcoming events.
Janet Driver Lampas Society PresidentLien Lee had a remarkable career at PLC. She was appointed by Joan Montgomery in 1978 to establish Indonesian – the first Asian language to be taught at PLC. Lien was to be Head of Indonesian for all of her 26 years at the school until her retirement in 2004.
Lien and her husband Han arrived in Australia from Indonesia in 1968. As Chinese Indonesians, life was proving to be very difficult in Indonesia, following the 1965 coup, and with the help of academics from Monash University, they were assisted
to settle in Melbourne. Lien held a law degree from the University of Indonesia, which was not recognised in Australia so she trained part-time for her Diploma of Education. At this stage she was also the mother of two young daughters.
Joan Montgomery recognised in Lien the dedication to excellence that she wanted in her staff and she came into a supportive environment of gifted, experienced, professional colleagues. Lien set very high standards for herself and her students and she recognised the importance of engaging her students in the intellectual challenge which learning
During Term 2, the Hethersett Parents’ Group hosted the Senior School Mother’s Day event, as well as the Harmony Day lunch. Both events were highly successful and continued the group’s mission of purposefully connecting the community through new and varied dimensions.
For Mother’s Day, we honoured our mothers, grandmothers and those foster figures and mentors in our community, through the theme of Nurture through the Generations. We were delighted to have mothers of Senior School students joined by several grandmothers, Foundation members and Old Collegians, for the first time. In another first, we were so
pleased to see our fathers volunteering their services to help make it an enjoyable event for the ladies.
During the Harmony Day celebrations, we hosted our very own Model UN! Parents played the role of delegates, offering culinary delights from their own countries. Snacks from around the world cooked by PLC parents reflected the spirit of Harmony Day and was a testament to the richness inherent in the diverse ethnic heritage of families at PLC.
Both events achieved more than just a celebration of meaningful community engagement; we were also able to achieve records for funds raised.
It is very nearly 400 years since John Donne, the preeminent metaphysical poet of his time, wrote Meditation XVII, from Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, which contains the famous lines, ‘No man is an island’ and ‘for whom the bell tolls’. This profound meditation is a timeless reflection on the interconnectedness of human beings and the importance of community. It is particularly significant for PLC, as the College prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. The Hethersett Group is pleased to have contributed to this ideal in some measure and hopes to continue this momentum into the future.
Dhakshi RavishankarHethersett Parents’ Group President
formal Indonesian requires. The girls who studied Indonesian understood that if they worked hard under her guidance, they could earn high marks in the VCE and IB. PLC became renowned as the best school in Victoria for its Indonesian results.
Lien was committed to fostering the girls’ understanding of the richness and diversity of Indonesian society, history and culture. Many girls will testify how much they enjoyed Lien’s Indonesian cooking which was often a centrepiece of special occasions. Through four deeply enriching study tours to Indonesia, Lien brought learning Indonesian to life for her
students and for some, this experience became a catalyst for their future careers.
Lien was also a significant contributor to the development of Indonesian in the Victorian curriculum. She was an active participant in the establishment of the Victorian Indonesian Teachers’ Language Association and she represented Indonesian on the various Curriculum and Examining bodies during her teaching career – always with an emphasis on setting high standards.
Olivia Clarke Former member of PLC Languages StaffThe following is a moving tribute from one of Lien Lee's students:
Mrs Lee was an inspiration on so many levels. I loved having her as a teacher. She provided a natural enthusiasm and teaching ability to make learning fun and motivating, and the experiences I had including a trip to Indonesia under her guidance, are what led me to continue Bahasa Indonesia and have some of the best experiences in my life whilst living, working, studying and travelling in Indonesia.
The OCA congratulates our four Old Collegians who were recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours: Lord Mayor Sally Capp (1986) AO, Fiona Balfour (Meyer 1975) AM, Professor Liza Lim (1984) AM and Ms Robyn Humphries (1972) OAM. We are very proud to see their significant service honoured. Read the full details on page 30.
At the PLC OCA AGM on Saturday 13 May 2023, President Ailsa Wilson and Treasurer Sherry Tang (2001) delivered the Annual Reports. Held in the Betty Caldwell Hall Foyer at PLC, the presentation was followed by a delicious luncheon which was a great way to get to know our new Committee members. We have two new Vice Presidents, Dr Anisha Pillay (1986) and Britney Pham (2020), and we eagerly anticipate their new ideas and energy which will carry us into the future.
The OCA is looking forward to building a strong future and celebrating the PLC 150th anniversary in 2025 as we reach out to our younger Old Collegians. The term ‘Old Collegian’ may present challenges, but read for yourself Britney and Anisha’s experiences.
‘Old’ tends to be a daunting word in our vocabulary, for reasons that I need not detail. However, it was the lively energy of the Old Collegians’ Association that most strongly resonated with me as I joined my first Annual General Meeting. As the youngest OCA committee member, it has been a delight to be nominated as Vice President, and I can confirm the OCA’s passion for organising inclusive and stimulating activities throughout the year which are far from old fashioned. My recommendation to engage with PLC’s OCA immediately after graduation could not be stronger. Our Committee
and Association are composed of women who are actively involved with our wider communities and are change-making through the creation of charities, foundations and businessfocused endeavours.
The OCA and College itself have been incredibly supportive in the development of upcoming events, including an inaugural preview of the school production, a mentoring round-table project and the annual celebration night.
There is much to look forward to on both social and professional levels. The OCA plans to host career networking evenings, specifically to address areas of interest, and to help connect PLC women in their respective fields, whether medicine, law, design and fashion, hospitality, the arts, or the full range in between. Our aim for 2023 is to foster a community of mentorship and support, to ensure that Old Collegians can continue to uplift and inspire one another. Additionally, we are now able to access PLC OCA events through our regularly updated Facebook page, and I would encourage recent graduates to follow the page for news posts and event promotions. Whether you find more appeal in friendly conversations over brunch, or in networking and skill-building workshops, I have discovered that the OCA has widened its scope in welcoming back students who hope to reignite their own PLC spirit. I also urge you to contact the OCA if you have initiatives that you would like to discuss. We are always happy to hear from you and are beyond excited for the future.
I finished Year 12 in 1986 at PLC and then went overseas for six years to study medicine in Ireland.
Living overseas for university was a fantastic experience as I was able to make friends from all over the world, many of whom I am still in touch with.
After completing my medical undergraduate degree, I returned to Melbourne and completed my postgraduate training in paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
COVID changed my work life as it did for so many others. I established a new private practice in 2021 with two friends after working previously at the same private practice for just over 15 years! I now divide my time between my public work at RCH and Monash Children’s Hospital, as well as my private practice.
I have three children: my eldest, a son, who is at university, and my two daughters, one of whom is at university this year, having finished VCE in 2022 at PLC, and the youngest who is in Year 10 at PLC.
My free time is spent with my family and friends. I still have a strong group of PLC friends and we often meet up.
I have joined the PLC OCA to remain connected, as my youngest daughter approaches the end of her time at PLC. I hope that my daughters will have fond memories of their school years and stay connected with their school friends just as I have.
Our Women Out There Fellowship (WOTF) Ambassador Kim Low (1978) awarded the 2022 WOTF Certificate to Rosalie Lui (2006) for her community project, Spur Afrika Kenya Shupavu Girl’s Conference for Teenage Mothers.
Rosalie, an occupational therapist, described how the project brings young mothers together to share knowledge and new skills to improve the lives of themselves and their babies. They are greatly encouraged and strengthened by this experience which leads to economic independence and improved participation in education.
The WOTF was established to acknowledge Old Collegians who run projects in the wider community, and awards a $2,000 grant to the selected project.
B. L to R, Julie Schroeder and the new PLC Catering Manager, Nicole Hill (1990)
C. L to R, Sherry Tang (2001) and Ailsa Wilson (1978)
D. L to R, Past PLC Staff, Pat Ritter (Hon OC), Ros McMillan (1959) and Janet Davies (1980)
E. L to R, 2022 WOTF recipient, Rosalie Lui (2006) and WOTF Ambassador, Kim Low (1978)
Sat 18 Nov, 2023
10.30am - 12.30pm, Wyselaskie Hall, PLC
RSVP 10.11.23
Listen to our PLC Women of Influence Panel, followed by bubbles and brunch.
Sydney Old Collegians met for lunch on Saturday 3 June. They will meet again on Saturday 25 November. Contact Susanne Crotty at susanne.crotty@gmail.com
Susanne Crotty (1960)
Old Collegian
Lisa Leong (1989), awarded her book, This Working Life, to Jennifer Wu (2009), for being the youngest Old Collegian at the OCA Scholarship Lunch. We came together on Tuesday 20 June to share lunch with the five current scholarship holders and hear the highlights of their PLC experiences. The OCA Scholarship Fund is invested with JB Were and provides three scholarships: the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship (HHMS), the OCA Scholarship and the Melba Music Scholarship. We are encouraging a new generation of Old Collegians to donate to the OCA Scholarship Fund, to honour the importance of educating women, to honour the women who educated us at PLC, to honour the women who have donated before for many decades to establish and support these scholarships, and to honour the current PLC students. Visit page 29 to donate or contact Denise Poon (1978), our OCA Birthday League Governor, for further details.
Our current Year 12 Melba Music Scholar, Anisha Ravishankar, performed Misty on her saxophone, with music that she arranged herself for her IB project.
The OCA Scholarship Luncheon was a great opportunity for Old Collegians to join their PLC friends, catch up with their peers and make new friends.
Ailsa Wilson (1978)
Old Collegians' Association President plc.melb.oca@gmail.com
A. L to R, Jennifer Wu (2009) and Lisa Leong (1989)
B. L to R, Jennifer Mok (1983), Jennifer Baxter (1983), Yin Chen (1983) and Michelle Frazer (Pauline 1981)
C. Year 12 Melba Music Scholar Anisha Ravishankar
D. L to R, Lynette Wong (1986), Yin Chen (1983), Anne Neil (1963) and Lileen Tan (1986)
E. L to R, Eileen Siu (2000) and Rachel Wong (2003)
F. L to R, Jennifer Wu (2009), Cheryl Penberthy, Abigail Edney (Skelcher 1994)
A. L to R, Bronwyn Street (1963 Morgan), Jan Kirchner (1963 Morrison), Shivani Pillai (1986), Helen Sweetnam (1951 Johnson), Margaret Trist (1954 Duncan), Margaret Carroll (1963 Hamilton), Judy Hollow (1959 Harwood), Lesleigh Agnew (1961 Williams), Janet Bennett (1950 Roy), Lorraine Perks (1951 Watson), Jan Oliver (1954 McKay), Pam Booth (1959), Anne Neil (1963 Hare)
The Mornington Peninsula Friendship Group was founded in 1984 when we met at a Mt Eliza home. Until recently, our meetings were held in private homes. We shared food and recipes, enjoyed the hospitality and homemade soup of Judy Kefford, or celebrated Christmas at Helen Sweetnam’s home overlooking her private quarry and beautiful garden. We have always been a mix of ages, with Pam Booth and Frances Allan possibly being the youngest at the first meeting. Frances Forster, a former teacher from the school, attended and Pam says it took her a while to be able to address her as ‘Fran’ rather than ‘Miss’. Former Principal, Joan Montgomery, was also a member for some years. It was good for the group to be together, supporting each other through life’s changes. There is something special about friends from your school days.
Over the years, our numbers have fluctuated, but now, 39 years later, we are still here and growing stronger all the time! As more Old Collegians move to the Peninsula, we are keen to make contact with you so you may join us at our lunches. These are usually held at bistros or restaurants, three or four times yearly, mostly alternating between Wednesdays and Thursdays. At some of our lunches, we raise funds to support the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship Fund mainly through raffles, ‘bring a gift – buy a gift’, or via a trading table when you can bring excess garden produce or anything else you wish to donate.
Our winter lunch was on a Saturday in July at Mount Martha. We decided to try a Saturday in order to reach those Old Collegians who are still working or otherwise committed on weekdays. A smaller group attended, but all agreed that the venue and numbers made it much easier to move around and talk to each other.
If you have not received an invitation to attend any of our lunches, please contact myself via the details below or Pam Booth at gagabooth4@gmail.com or 0438 907 701 to be added to our database. We would love you to join us, particularly our younger Old Collegians (is that an oxymoron?).
Jan Kirchner (1963 Morrison) Old Collegian lemonjam.lj@gmail.com 0418 550 446
The Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 1959 to students who would not otherwise be able to attend PLC. This scholarship was set up to honour Miss Hailes, a greatly loved Vice Principal (1933-1954) and Acting Principal, after her sudden death in 1958.
Please join with other Old Collegians who have for many years donated to support this scholarship, helping girls attend PLC in honour of Helen Hailes and the value we place on the importance of educating women. One of the most important offerings by the OCA is the provision of scholarships.
The OCA actively encourages the community to give back and donate to support these ongoing scholarships, providing an opportunity to change the lives of the next generation of girls so that they may benefit from all that a PLC education has to offer.
Our Birthday League Governor
Ms Denise Poon (1978) is keen to welcome you into the Birthday League and send you a birthday greeting as you donate each year to support our OCA Scholarships. Donations are acknowledged by the PLC OCA in PLC in Print.
Bank Details for EFT Donations
Bank: CommBank
Account name: PLCOCA
Account BSB: 063 197
Account Number: 00900486
Reference Details: ‘HH’, and the name you wish to be acknowledged by in PLC in Print, or ‘anonymous’.
Denise Poon Contact Details
Address: 499 Neerim Road
Murrumbeena Victoria 3163
Email: mimosacarnegie@gmail.com
Phone: (H) 9571 1197 (M) 0438 365 277
Ailsa Wilson (1978) Old Collegians' Association President
The PLC OCA wish to thank all Birthday League Donors for their kind and thoughtful support of the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship fund. This fund supports talented students, usually the daughters or granddaughters of Old Collegians, who would otherwise be unable to attend PLC for financial reasons.
Dr Kate Cherry
Mrs Dawn Best
Mrs Deborah Williams
Mrs Roselyn Muir
Mrs Alison Rechner
Mrs Helen Bailey
Mrs Judith Boucher
Mrs Leonore McClintock
Miss Anne Smith
Dr Rosalind McMillan AM
Mrs Lois McKay
Mrs Janet Davies
Ms Robin Perrin
Mrs Helen Haysom
Mrs Natalie Cronin
Dr Tabathia Pettitt
Mrs Bronwyn Tacey
Mrs Joan Andrew
Mrs Wendy Fishley
Dr Bev Hookey
Mrs June Noble
Mrs Yvonne Knowles
Mrs Lesley Falloon
Mrs Helen Carson
Mrs Dorothy Ramsay
Mrs Anne Neil
Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE
Mrs Christine Wilson
Mrs Alison Kidman
Mrs Helen Guilfoyle
Mrs Elspeth Arnold
Miss Lauris Murnane
Ms Helen Beanham
Mrs Jean Oldfield
Mrs Claire Douglas
Mrs Val Reid
Mrs Claire Macmillan
Mrs Helen Dent
Mrs Peg Randell
Mrs Anne Hoadley
Dr Merrilyn Murnane AM
Mrs Janet Brown
Dr Jennifer Henry
Mrs Diana Cherry
Dr Glenys French
Mrs Belinda Steele
Mrs Christine Gorrie
Mrs Jean Garrow
Mornington Branch
North East Branch
(Officer) AO, General Division
Lord Mayor Sally Capp (1986) Old Collegian
For distinguished service to the people of Melbourne, to local government, to business, and to the community through various organisations.
Member (AM) General Division
Mrs Fiona Balfour (Meyer 1975) Old Collegian
For significant service to corporate governance, and to the aviation sector.
Professor Liza Lim (1984) Old Collegian
For significant service to the performing arts as a music composer and academic.
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
Ms Robyn Humphries (1972) Old Collegian
For service to community mental health.
Mr Ian Godfrey (1973 to 1979)
Clarinet and Saxophone Teacher
For service to tertiary education, and to music.
Mrs Annette Sloan (1967 to 2006) Flute Teacher
For service to music education.
The PLC OCA Golf Day was held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on a cool, showery morning on Monday 8 May. There were 26 participants in the 18 hole, or 9 hole, competition followed by lunch which was enjoyed by all.
Robin Collier (Wilson 1969) Old Collegian
In June, the UK branch of the PLC OCA gathered for a lovely catch up in Clapham in the home of Andrea Melville.
L to R, Serena Stubbs (1991), Julienne Baron (1989), Elizabeth Shaw (1956), Jackie Chow (1991), Andrea Melville (1994) and Raelene Cheung (1994)
The next Old Collegians’ North East Group lunch will be held on Wednesday 4 October in Shepparton. The venue is yet to be organised but if you live in the North East area and would like to be notified of this lunch, please email me at jcuddon@outlook.com and I will add you to our database. We will inform you of the details about a month prior to the event.
We have a very devoted number of Old Collegians in this area and I always look forward to our lunches and meeting up once again.
Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957) North East Group President
Fiona Brooks (2008) and husband Chris Nedelkos welcomed a second son, Maximilian, in June. A little brother for three-year-old Henry.
Caroline (James 2003) and Lachlan Johnson welcomed a daughter, Hannah Maeve Johnson, on 21 October 2022. Sister to proud big brother, Alexander.
A | Ms Rosalie Lui (2006) and Dr David Fong married at Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church in Kew on 25 March 2023. They celebrated with guests including PLC girls from the Class of 2006.
B | Amanda Shilo (Davis 1991) married Kyle Mack on 27 May 2023 in Salem, Massachusetts, USA. Amanda was attended by her two sons, Josh and Alex.
C | Rachelle Fries (Thannhauser 2013) married Timothy Fries on 10 September 2022. Timothy has several connections to the school as his mother, Anne Fries, was good friends with Sallie Norsworthy, former Principal of the Junior School and helped her introduce LEM phonics to PLC. Timothy's great aunt and Old Collegian, Dr Dorothy Moody (1950), served on the PLC Council. Adding to the PLC links, Tim's cousins, Hannah Moody (2008), Rachel Moody (2014) and Sarah Moody (2019) are also Old Collegians.
D | Since graduating, Ritu Chaurasia (2009) moved to Sydney to attend medical school and is now a paediatrics advanced trainee at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Ritu and her husband Ross had their first baby, Avi, on 19 September 2022. Previously School Vice Captain, Ritu has fond memories of PLC, keeps in touch with many of her friends and recently attended the ten-year reunion.
E | Angelina Goh (2020), has written and is in the process of producing and acting in a short film that will be submitted to various film festivals throughout Australia and internationally. The project is being led by a diverse group of creatives, who all strive to breathe new stories into Melbourne's film industry.
To Spark A Wildfire is an Asian Australian short film about human connection, identity, and letting go of haunting regrets. It seeks to explore the bridge of human connection despite our differences, and proposes that as long as we give something meaning, meaning can be found anywhere. It suggests that we all have something within us we must let go of, as holding on ultimately hurts more.
Angelina’s character, Min, is described as ‘a paper-lantern seller who struggles to reconcile with her father, seeks connection with a lonely stranger to learn to let go’. Min struggles to reconnect with her father, Jian, who's returned to clean up after her hoarding habits. A chance meeting with a stranger, Adelaide, forces them to confront their individual wounds: a deep-rooted trauma, cultural taboos,
the fallout of abuse. The thing that now ties the three of them together, is their inability to let go.
After finishing at PLC in 2020, Angelina majored in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne, taking units in screenwriting before deferring to pursue avenues in acting. She has taken an online program with AAFTA, an acting school based in America, and is currently studying with the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in their Melbourne studios, and the Film and Television Studio International’s year-long program. As an actor, she is currently represented by Sophie Jermyn Management.
F | Gisborne-based Airways air traffic controller, Tuna Cheung (2013), won the Jessica Rose Trophy for capturing the true spirit of airwomen at the 2023 New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation (NZAWA) Rally.
The Rally brings together women in aviation from New Zealand for a long weekend of competition, education and
camaraderie, with guests from Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Amongst 80 other women, Tuna was delighted to win the award and thanked the NZAWA for another outstanding rally. ‘I love going to the annual rally to connect with like-minded women aviators and supporters’, Ms Cheung shared. ‘I find it extremely inspiring to see the continued growth and support among the women involved in aviation. I’m so thrilled to be a part of the community’.
Tuna has worked at multiple airports including Palmerston North, Gisborne and Nelson, engaging with a huge range of aircraft such as military training, air ambulances, cyclone recovery efforts, agricultural spraying, formation aerobatics and vintage warbirds.
Tuna hopes that her experience may pique the interest of PLC girls and Old Collegians to explore careers in air traffic control and aviation. She shared that not only is air traffic control a rewarding and well-paid job, but there are also many opportunities to get involved with enjoyable projects and the wider community.
G | For the past five years, Stephanie Boone (2015) has established herself in London while actively participating in AFL football as a member of the Wandsworth Demons AFL team. Renowned for her defensive skills, Stephanie is known as the 'Rock of Boonie'. She recently won the AFL London Conference Best and Fairest award, an accomplishment equivalent to the Brownlow medal.
Who would have known that those Friday night matches on the Norman Oval would set the stage for this incredible journey?
H | Professor Rosemary Langford (1989), was appointed as the new Harold Ford Professor of Commercial Law at Melbourne Law School. This prestigious appointment is a recognition of Professor Langford's exceptional contributions to the fields of corporate and trusts law, both in terms of her remarkable scholarship and her exemplary leadership.
I | Dr Sarah Helmond who is a specialist in veterinary internal medicine is now, and has been for some time, the Head of Internal Medicine at the Veterinary Referral Hospital in Dandenong.
Sarah also works as a consultant specialist veterinarian for IDEXX Laboratories, interpreting laboratory test results for general practice veterinarians.
After her residency, when she was Chief Resident in her final year, Sarah was granted a fellowship at Cornell University. She completed her fellowship and moved to California with her family, working in a specialist practice, then to Sydney, and is now working in Melbourne.
Congratulations to Helen Strauch (Knight 1963) on her outstanding leadership, effort and resilience, as the ACT's secondary education system celebrates its 50th anniversary. Helen Strauch was one of the founders of the ACT’s public education system.
Ruth Farr (Englefield 1977) is involved in volunteer aged care reform advocacy, along with other community members who share concerns about the poor standard of aged care in Australia.
Ruth's advocacy efforts were sparked by the Royal Commission's 2020 and 2021 reports, Neglect and Care, Dignity and Respect. These reports found that aged care in Australia has reached the low point of ‘a national disgrace’ and is ‘pervaded with substandard care’.
The content of these reports mirrored in detail the dissatisfactions across the board of Ruth's family members while caring for elderly loved ones in residential aged care.
J/K/L | Claire Chitty (1979) published three books in February 2023.
Navigating The Clickety Clack: How to live a peace-filled life in a seemingly toxic world Vol 4 Claire Chitty was one of the invitationonly contributing authors of this number one international best seller, described by Bennie Fowler, Superbowl champion, motivational speaker and author as a book ‘filled with practical insights, strategies and tools, that when used, will create positive change in your life’.
This novel is aimed at young teens; anyone who has been a teenager or has parented a teen will know it’s often the most challenging time in life. For an unlikely group of friends in Year 9, there are twists and turns, ups and downs and secrets as they try to make sense of growing up. The novel explores themes of mental health in ways which are constructive and educative; teens reading this book will be presented with examples of adaptive coping strategies and models of how to seek help, and parents reading this book will gain new insights into ways they can raise a resilient teen.
This chapter book, aimed at middle to upper-primary aged children, is about real life, which can be complicated and messy. Violetta, almost ten, reveals her feelings about the challenges and successes of family breakdown, parental separation and blending families. It is a story many children will relate to, encompassing themes of domestic violence, custody, single parent struggles and newly merging families. Through Violetta's journal writings, these issues are portrayed in a subtle and honest way, leaving the reader feeling hopeful.
M | Jan Fullerton (1992) was at PLC from 1987-1992, and subsequently undertook a BSc and a PhD at the University of Melbourne before working overseas for five years at Oxford University in the UK and then settling in Sydney in 2005. Today, Jan leads her research group in the area of identifying the causes of (and contributors to) mental illness. Her organisation, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), is an independent, not-for-profit, medical research institute dedicated to improving the lives of people living with brain and nervous system disorders.
For more information on her research at NeuRA, scan the QR code.
N | Old Collegians Claire Virgona (2005) and Claire Harvey (1994) recently 'discovered' one another while on an Integral Ecology Retreat in the Blue Mountains, as part of a year-long fellowship program facilitated by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia & Papua New Guinea. While more than a decade apart in their schooling, they were delighted to explore similar emerging passions for living with greater ecological awareness, including listening to and learning from the land and Australia's First Nations peoples and connecting deeply with each other in community. They both look forward to growing their friendship this year at two further retreats in Queenscliff and the Daintree.
O | Dr Sally-Anne Richter (2005) has been elected the first female pipe major of the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band.
This prestigious band is the oldest in Tasmania, performing for over 90 years. Until now, the band's leadership was traditionally male dominated.
Earlier this year, in Scotland's Balmoral Castle, Dr Richter had the honour of performing for distinguished members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Following this, she showcased her skills at another performance in France.
Sally’s journey in mastering the art of the bagpipes began during her time at PLC under the guidance of Mark Saul, who was formerly associated with PLC and is now at Scotch College Melbourne.
Old Collegian Lisa Leong (1989) is well known as the enthusiastic and perceptive presenter of ABC National’s This Working Life and the co-author of the awardwinning book, This Working Life: How to navigate your career in uncertain times. Lisa also hosts Sunday with Lisa Leong on ABC Radio Melbourne and visits the ABC TV news breakfast show once a month on a Friday to look at what is making the news. We enjoyed chatting to her recently about her fascinating life since PLC as a lawyer, radio host, author and business coach and her insightful views on the world of work and self-development.
Like so many Old Collegians, Lisa remembers loving House Concerts. She remembers staying back after school, being given a cup of soup and finding acting so much fun. ‘I even had a little acting role when I was in Year 7, playing a really young, tiny girl. Being so small, I was cast extremely well!’
Despite her love of acting, she says she actually cannot act at all. Darcy, her film director husband, knows not to cast her as anything! However, Lisa loves taking to the stage as a speaker, connecting with her audience, having fun and enjoying the sense of togetherness and positive energy that is created.
As public speaking can be very stressful for many of us, Lisa recommends that speakers shift their mindset towards the audience or person they want to communicate with and ask themselves how they would like their audience to feel or think. It takes the pressure off when speakers realise it is not about how good or bad they might be but how the audience responds.
Lisa encourages the people she coaches to be aware of the physical sensations they are experiencing before they go on stage and to see if it helps to reframe their nervousness as excitement, realising that the adrenaline rush can help them to focus. She herself spends some time
by herself before a talk, breathing deeply and going within herself for a moment of quiet. Lisa does this before her radio shows and sometimes encourages her producers to do this with her and to do a ‘power pose’ as suggested by social psychologist, Amy Cuddy.
Lisa brings what she labels her ‘superpowers’ to whatever job she has. For example, the listening skills she cultivated through the medium of radio were very useful when she was a lawyer, having meaningful conversations about important issues with her clients.
‘I love the intimacy of radio as, conceptually, it is really a conversation between you and one other person, not a whole bunch of people.’
She believes that the secret to positive workplace interaction is to realise that every job involves connection with individual human beings and that every conversation is an important one.
Lisa uses the phrase ‘category of one’ from her corporate experience to illustrate her belief in the ‘superpowers’ within us all. The term is usually used for a product or service that is unique and above competition. She strongly believes that each of us individually, with our unique circumstances and experiences, is ‘in our own category’ and there is no competition. We need to spend time identifying our superpowers and then create and curate a career that helps us and our work teams to flourish.
Lisa understands herself well enough to know that work has to be fun, a place where she can be creative and connect with people. Even as a junior lawyer, when she chaired meetings, she would put a backing tape on and interview the senior members, as if in a talk show.
As a young liquor assistant at Safeway supermarket, she came alive when she announced the ‘red spot specials’ over the loudspeaker and saw the reaction of shoppers to what she said.
At PLC, her exuberant energy was accepted and ‘positively channeled’; she says, ‘I was seen for the loud and curious girl that I was.’ Lisa also believes it is important to be ‘seen’ if you are quieter and express yourself in a different way. People can be quietly powerful.
Lisa encourages everyone to take the pressure off themselves about career planning and agrees with the Malaysian
proverb that ‘you do not find a career, the career finds you’. She sees all failure as a chance to gain important data and for her, every day is Lab Day (a reference to her often disastrous practical science sessions when she studied Science at Melbourne University), where she adds to and deepens her knowledge. Every year, she undertakes a professional development course, often overseas, to add to her skill set.
Being a lifelong learner, Lisa is constantly honing her interview techniques and is currently going back to basics with radio craft. When she hosted the ABC program, Conversations, last year, she loved the opportunity to converse with a guest for a whole hour and relished the chance to learn more from the production crew about creating a safe space for honest chat. She herself was interviewed for the program and was able to be vulnerable and talk about her difficult experiences.
Lisa enjoys being on the Board of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, where she once was a student, and finds it fascinating to work with the students and help them to transition to the uncertain and changing world of work.
While she still works with corporations as a facilitator, her work has been the subject of a Harvard Case Study, and her TEDx talk, Can robots make us more human?, was well received, Lisa has forsaken her classic, dark corporate uniform and revels now in colourful clothes and trainers which better suit her joy-filled, very active life. She believes that seeing colleagues dressed informally during COVID on Zoom calls from their homes has brought a greater authenticity to the corporate workplace. She pays careful attention to her fitness and wellbeing and has reached a time of contentment, trying not to worry about things that are completely out of her control.
It is a long way from Lisa’s first radio show, Thursday Night Therapy, as a volunteer on a hospital radio station when she was working as a lawyer in London. Through intimate interviews with interesting people, she hoped to soothe and connect with patients in pain or in recovery. Lisa still finds the same sense of joy and purpose that she experienced in that first radio show in her much-loved radio and related work today. Her effervescent and creative approach to life continues to bring hope and connection to so many.
Julie Schroeder Community EngagementThe PLC Community was saddened to learn of the passing of the following Old Collegians.
June Catherine De Vere (Macleod 1948)
June Catherine De Vere (1948) passed away on 5 February this year.
June was born in Inverness in 1932, this being the closest town with a hospital to her father’s home on the Isle of Skye. Although her mother brought June back to Australia when she was around 15 months old, June was always immensely proud of her Scottish heritage. She returned with her mother to live with her maternal grandparents, Sarah and Fred Umbers, in their house called Myrambeek in Poowong, South Gippsland. Following her primary schooling, mostly in Poowong, June was sent as a boarder to the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in East Melbourne. By her own account, the first year was hell, but soon she made a solid set of friends – and they remained so for life. Being a redhead, her school friends nicknamed her ‘Mopsy’, after a popular cartoon of the time. June loved to tell the story that her school reports were riddled with ‘June should try harder’; however, despite reporting with glee that she ‘never passed a test in French’ class, she could still make friends with French speakers while on her great Aussie ‘grand tour’ in 1956.
A deeply faithful person, June had a lifelong interest in Christianity, first in the Presbyterian Church in Poowong, and then in Toorak, which became Uniting, and also in the Ecumenical movement where the churches work and worship together. Church life and activities, and the people associated with it, were one of June’s major interests, along with family life, friendships and travel.
June married Vincent De Vere in 1960, and together they had three children: Richard, Tim and Catriona. Vincent suffered a fatal heart attack in 1976, leaving June bereft, but still needing to care for her three children and her mother. She married again in 1987 to Stan Laugher.
June was a strong woman well before her time, standing up for what she believed in. She was a woman who was always deeply interested in and caring of other people. She had an amazing interest
Catherine McLean (Massaro 1993)
Catherine McLean (Massaro 1993) died of a sudden unexpected heart attack in February 2022.
and love of the oral history of her family. June loved being a matriarch, hearing about the trials and tribulations of her children, grandchildren and friends, and then offering advice. When COVID hit, and the rest of us were in a sort of lethargic self-interested daze during lockdowns, June reported that she was exhausted –‘I’m never off the phone!’ she’d say. She took her responsibility as a friend very
seriously, calling everyone she knew to make sure they were all well. Those who knew June were well used to her saying ‘I’ll be there if I’m still alive, ha! ha!’, or, ‘if I’m spared’. Nobody was more surprised than June herself when she celebrated her 90th birthday in 2022.
Catriona De Vere DaughterL to R, Rosemary Joan Orr (Wills 1961), June Lawrence (Wills 1950), Laurel McLennan (Wills 1961)
Rosemary and her twin sister, Laurel McLennan (Wills 1961), attended PLC from 1949-1961. Their older sisters, Lorna Burne (Wills 1945) and June Lawrence (Wills 1950) and aunt, Lorna Bowden (Wills, dec.) also attended. Two of Rosemary’s great nieces, Anna and Jessie McLennan, are currently attending the Senior School.
Rosemary graduated from Emily MacPherson College of Domestic Economy before entering the Foods Testing Industry.
In 1967, Rosemary married Noel Orr, welcoming Stuart, Debbie and Cameron into a warm, loving and stable home life. When the children reached their teens, Rosemary re-entered the food industry and was excited to be given the honour to plan the extensive menu for a private hospital to be opened in a Melbourne suburb.
At this time, in 1989, Rosemary suffered a trauma – one she did not ask for, nor need – leaving her with an acquired brain injury.
Her family has been exemplary in including her in any family occasion, her children’s weddings, grandchildren’s lives and the untimely passing in 2007 of their father, Noel.
With the assistance of carers, Rosemary was able to attend physio in heated pools and massages throughout her ordeal, as well as enjoying outings to nearby shops, wineries, shows and beach visits.
Thank you does not seem enough to all who made her life more meaningful. In the words of her son, Stuart:
‘Rosemary’s positive, indomitable spirit and practical ‘can do’ attitude was infectious. It was a credit to her and her family that she created and maintained so many beautiful friendships over the years.
For motherhood she gathered her life experiences and taught us her way.
She was present, available and attentive.
She was a guide, encouraging us and supportive.
She had a strong will and a strong moral code.
She was direct and to the point.
She wore her heart on her sleeve.
She had a soft, loving, vulnerable side that enabled her to give the best hugs in all the world.
She was always there when we needed her, and we knew we were loved.
She raised us to be independent, and selfreliant, as she was, and we have raised our own children to be so.
Her light shines through us, her children and her grandchildren. Their potential is her legacy.’
Rosemary quietly grew her wings and has now joined those she loved and those who loved her so.
During Term 2, we welcomed Emily Booth to the Archive and Heritage Centre. As the new Archive Technician, Emily is taking over from Jayde Hollingworth who moved with her family to Austria late last year.
At the end of 2022, we purchased and established a new archive collections management system. We have established archive best practice conventions for the recording of archival materials into the new system to enable effective searchability for essential research and important record keeping. Emily has been working busily to populate Archive Manager with every artefact in the collection and she continues to work through the Archive backlog.
At the start of Term 1, we finished the Uniform Rehousing Project which involved rehousing and documenting in Archive Manager a representative collection of uniforms in appropriate condition.
Each object has also been photographed for quick reference and to reduce the necessity for handling of these objects. These are now securely stored and labelled so that they can be safeguarded for future generations.
We have recommenced the PLC Archive Student Volunteer Program with new and old volunteers visiting during lunchtimes and after school. Students are currently helping us rehouse and document some of the hundreds of photographs that were under the PAC. They had, up until now, not been reflected in the catalogue and were an untapped treasure trove of past College life and events. This project will take some time, but we are excited to use these photographs for future research and Heritage Gallery exhibitions.
Within the Heritage Gallery, the third space has been refreshed with the Textiles at PLC Exhibition which explores knitting, weaving and embroidery practices at the College.
Later in the term, we had some younger visitors to the Heritage Gallery. The whole of Year 2 attended scheduled visits with their teachers for the Girls of the School are We unit, where they learnt about the school lives of students in 1875. We have set up a class presentation space in the Heritage Gallery for the girls. The Exhibition reflects how student lives have changed and highlights some of our notable Old Collegians including Dame Nellie Melba (opera singer), Sally Capp (Lord Mayor of Melbourne), Lisa Lim (composer), Vida Goldstein (suffragette) and Grace Chan (psychiatrist and author). The girls also enjoyed a doll's outfitmatching exercise and colouring in pages.
Planning for 150th Anniversary events is underway and will be a particular focus for the rest of this year.
Genevieve Lynch Head of Library ServicesEssie Mollison (1912) should be accorded a significant place in PLC’s awakening, during the 1930s, to the role women wanted to play in the education of girls. She attended PLC from 1907 to 1912 where she joined the Debating Society and was Dux of Physics and Chemistry. An outstanding scholar, she won university exhibitions in anatomy, physiology and botany. Graduating with a Master of Science in 1917, her first teaching post was at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. There she taught Biology, Physiology and Botany from 1916 to 1918 and introduced a fieldwork trip for her Botany classes in 1917 at a time when most education
was tied to textbook and blackboard. The principal, Annie Mackay, compared subsequent science teachers to the high standards set by Essie Mollison. Back in Melbourne, she taught Biology at PLC in 1919 and 1920. From 1921 until 1957, she taught Botany and Zoology at the University of Melbourne.
She was an active member of the Lyceum Club from the 1920s and was one of the leaders of the Old Collegians’ Association (OCA) as president in 1927 and secretary from 1931 to 1935. In 1931 the OCA approached PLC’s principal, William Gray, to ask for representation on the School Council. It was the association’s second attempt, and
the answer was the same: School Council did not believe any single organisation should be represented in this way.
A renewed attempt in 1935, led by Essie Mollison, tried a different tack by asking the Presbyterian Church General Assembly to consider, during that diamond jubilee year of PLC, the OCA’s view that it seemed ‘fitting that representatives of the Old Collegians should be given places on the College Council, the status of women have so altered since the commencement of the College’. Drawing on her OCA network, she obtained signatures from many prominent Old Collegians on a petition and addressed the General Assembly about the proposal in her characteristically
determined and flamboyant manner. Although the Assembly agreed in principle to female representation, it deflected the request to the School Council.
Council asked that the four would-be candidates for membership justify in writing the reasons for their participation. Essie Mollison, Isobel Macdonald (OC and staff), Lady Olive Lawson (parent of four daughters at PLC and whose husband Sir Harry Lawson had been Premier of Victoria) and Margaret Macdonald (Mitchell, OC), wrote that the majority of Council-controlled girls’ schools in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia already had female representatives and, specifically, that
the Presbyterian schools at Croydon and Pymble in Sydney had set this precedent in 1932. The concluding, and most obvious points, were about modernity and female representation for a girls’ school: ‘For many years women who are interested in the College as former pupils or as mothers of pupils have been saying that an institution which is entirely concerned with the girl life of the community must benefit by provision for the direct expression of the woman’s point of view’, and, moreover, ‘there appears to be a general feeling that no modern girls’ school council can afford to cut itself off from the help of responsible women, when discussing arrangements bearing on the household comfort and the social
and aesthetic interests of the pupils’. The PLC Council, then led by new chairman Professor Oxer, accepted this submission. It asked the Presbyterian Church General Assembly to alter the school’s constitution and expand the size of the Council by four places to a total of twenty. The constitution was changed to allow four places for women, and Essie Mollison, Isobel Macdonald, Lady Olive Lawson and Margaret Macdonald joined the Council in 1937. Essie Mollison served in this role until her death in 1963.
Helen Penrose Historian - PLC 150th History