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She

College Crow Semester 1, 2020

PLC Sydney's Student Magazine

Contents

From the Editor She Sleeps

Out

PLC Sydney Legends

Editor: Shirley Chen (Year 12 Publications Captain). Assistant Editors: Jocelyn Arkapaw (Year 8), Talei Chang (Year 10), Natasha Chuan (Year 8), Alison Fang (Year 8), Amy Feng (Year 9), Tiffany Gao (Year 7), Aileen Kim (Year 8), Rachel Lao (Year 9), Miriam Ly (Year 12), Horatia Ma (Year 11), Abigail Ong (Year 8), Sasha Prokhorov (Year 8), Imogen Sabey (Year 10), Linda Wang (Year 12), Caitlyn Wong (Year 12), Jacqueline Yu (Year 8), Katherine Zhang (Year 10).

Assistant Design/Layout: Headed by Yvonne Zhao (Year 10), assisted by Amy Feng (Year 9), Sasha Prokhorov (Year 8), Jacqueline Yu (Year 8).

Staff Coordinator: Ms Kathryn Munro.

Inspirational Quotes to Brighten Your Day 31

College Crow Committee: Katelyn Ali Beck (Year 8), Jocelyn Arkapaw (Year 8), Isabelle Badger (Year 8), Olivia Chan (Year 8), Talei Chang (Year 10), Jasmine Chee (Year 8), Shirley Chen (Year 12), Yilan Chow (Year 7), Ava Chua (Year 7), Natasha Chuan (Year 8), Grace Du (Year 9), Alison Fang (Year 8), Amy Feng (Year 9), Julie Gao (Year 10), Tiffany Gao (Year 7), Jasmine Gifford (Year 7), Mackenzie Griffiths (Year 11), Isabelle Ho Shon (Year 8), Aileen Huang (Year 7), Ruby Huang (Year 7), Amy Hur (Year 11), Annika Johansson (Year 10), Emelie Johansson (Year 8), Makayla Johnson (Year 11), Aileen Kim (Year 8), Kate Kim (Year 8), Lydia Kim (Year 8), Kassandra Kirikau (Year 9), Zoe Kopczyk (Year 8), Emylene Kuoch (Year 9), Rachel Lao (Year 9), Anabelle Lau (Year 7), Natasha Lee (Year 11), Vicky Lei (Year 8), Emily Li (Year 11), Jenny Liu (Year 9), Linda Liu (Year 12), Isabella Loo (Year 7), Olivia Low (Year 10), Miriam Ly (Year 12), Horatia Ma (Year 11), Vivi Nguyen (Year 10), Emma O'Dea (Year 11), Abigail Ong (Year 8), Tansy Pham (Year 10), Ruby Phoon (Year 8), Freya Pidcock (Year 7), Sasha Prokhorov (Year 8), Imogen Sabey (Year 10), Jasmine Saha (Year 7), Reina Shi (Year 7), Ella Simmonds (Year 8), Audrey Storer (Year 8), Amelia Su (Year 10), Jennifer Su (Year 9), Eshwari Surendran (Year 9), Carolyn Wang (Year 8), Cindy Wang (Year 7), Linda Wang (Year 12), Ava Weir (Year 7), Paloma White (Year 8), Caitlyn Wong (Year 12), Iris Xu (Year 9), Jio Yim (Year 7), Jacqueline Yu (Year 8), Isabella Zhang (Year 10), Katherine Zhang (Year 10), Yvonne Zhao (Year 10).

Emily is Free

External Contribution: Michelle Hong (Year 9), Anzi Liu (Year 8).

One Step For Women

Front Cover Illustration: Emily Li (Year 11).

The Rush for Friendship

Your Average World-Saving Hero

She (Short Story)

Book Recommendations Corner Self Portraits

The Daily Bull

The Daily Bull: COVID-19 Edition Coronavirus Home Life

Their Wall of Fame Throughout History 20 Australian Women’s Suffrage

‘She’ Songs Review

She (Poem)

The Light Inside Us

Untitled Poem

HERstory

SIX: The Musical

Which Famous ‘She’ Are You?

Back Cover Illustration: Reina Shi (Year 7). Stock Image Credits: p. 15 Background Tile designed by starline / Freepik.com, p. 19 Timetable Background designed by Freepik.com, pp. 20–21 Glitter Star designed by kjpargeter / Freepik.com, p. 26 Blue and Gold Background designed by BiZkettE1 / Freepik.com, p. 27 Gold Flower Background designed by pikisuperstar / Freepik.com, p. 31 Flourish designed by Freepik.com.

Check out College Crow online: PLACES / Co-Curricular Tile / Clubs PLACES / College Crow Tile 2

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From the Editor Some thoughts from our 2019 – 2020 Publications Captain, Shirley Chen.

Wow. It’s been a hectic, strange and memorable 2020 so far, to say the least. What have become of your new year’s resolutions? l have felt satisfaction in clearing out at least ½ of the 2,000 videos in my Watch Later playlist (and added 1,272 more). I most definitely worked on building family relationships… through a few arguments with my sister when she wins our ‘Just Dance’ battles *insert eyeroll*. I exercised more than ever before. And by exercising l mean struggling on my yoga mat like a cockroach. But in all seriousness… l think we’ve come to appreciate all the ups and downs our family spends with us. A big thank you to my friends for laughing at my bad jokes and appreciating my Zoom backgrounds. The underlying presence of COVID-19 and online learning is weaved into our creating and writing processes this semester, and some of the references to the digital world in the articles are odes to the ‘joyous’ days spent ‘studying’ at home. Stability is impossible. Progression is inevitable. But Ms Munro has honestly been the constant amidst crisis. She’s understanding, in times of upheaval (my fellow Extension 1 pals should be able to get this one). She’s encouraging and sorts things out for me

Just some of the companions that lug me through when I collapse along the way :) Thanks girls!

Semester 1 2020

when I’m finding it hard to pull through. She’s attentive and caring to the members. She brings everything together without showing just how hard it is to organise a student magazine of this size. Her knowledge and ability to organise everything is humbling and appreciated by every Crow girl. More than anything, this edition is the creative child of imaginative and artistic female minds. As you flip through, you’ll find self-portraits (written and illustrated), quizzes and song recommendations (better than Spotify!), sleep advice, a guide on how to be a world-saving hero, and many more thought-provoking pieces. I leave you with some words inspired by ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” It’s an honour to be your Captain, Crow girls, and so very rewarding to see pieces, artworks, and designs come together. I can’t believe that it’s been almost a year since my journey as Editor began, and I’m so proud of all the bits and pieces that make the magazine what it is. To you, the reader: l hope you can find a piece or phrase that resonates with you even after you’ve finished reading. It’s not often that you get to hear and read voices that otherwise would get lost in the daily bustle of school life. This semester, our theme is 3 letters. A pronoun. One short word. But in hindsight: She’s got substance. She’s got depth. She’s got zest.

SHE SLEEPS Written by Olivia Low (Year 10), illustrations by Annika Johansson (Year 10).

Sleep is an essential part of life. You spend about a third of your day sleeping – and for good reason, too. Sleep reaps loads of benefits, from keeping you in good health to helping you remember content for your upcoming exams :) Yet, we never seem to get enough of it. Whether it’s pulling an allnighter to finish that assignment or watching YouTube at 2.00 am, we are constantly compromising our sleep. And even when we’ve slept a solid 12 hours on the weekend, we wake up still feeling groggy (like, how does that even work?!). Insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular risks, and other negative outcomes, over time. Although being sleep-deprived seems to be the norm these days, it is important to be informed about our sleep and to get enough of it. It is the very nurturer of our brains.

Sleep cycles During a sleep cycle, you go through multiple stages of sleep from light to deep to REM*. On average, sleep cycles last for around 90 minutes. To wake up feeling refreshed, aim to wake up in between your sleep cycles (in between REM and light sleep). This will help you feel a lot less groggy and much more refreshed! If you wake up during other stages of sleep, such as deep sleep or REM sleep, you’re more likely to feel tired and grouchy. * Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep. This occurs after deep sleep and it’s usually when you have dreams.

Something to remember... Unfortunately, our bodies aren’t able to “store” sleep for use throughout the week. Therefore, sleeping a solid 12 hours on Saturday night and then sleeping for 5 hours on Sunday night won’t make you feel energised on Monday. Sadly, human beings don’t work like that :( So make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night! Consistency is key. Make your sleep a priority!

Quantity and Quality Good sleep involves both an adequate amount of sleep and a high quality of sleep. For high-schoolers (generally speaking, people of ages 13–18), it is typically recommended that we should be getting 8–10 hours of sleep per night and for adults, 7–9 hours. Although you might think you are able to function on less than that, sleeping for the recommended hours generally ensures optimum day time function and long term health benefits. Sleep requirements will vary from person to person. Some people might be able to function on less sleep whilst others may need more. However, it’s not just the quantity of sleep that matters, it’s also about the quality. Sleep quality is a measure of how well you sleep. The main factors (as stated in a report published by Sleep Health) that determine good sleep quality include: - Falling asleep within 30 minutes. - Waking up no more than once a night and falling asleep within 20 minutes after waking. - Sleeping for at least 85% of the total time spent in bed. Ideally, you want to sleep long AND sleep well. This will help you wake up feeling energised and take away a lot of the grogginess you might feel.

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Handy tips:

Tip#4 Get rid of the blue light

Has counting sheep failed you? Have you tossed and turned for hours on end waiting to fall asleep?

Refrain from using technology before going to bed. The blue light from the screens can disrupt and reduce the production of melatonin, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Try to get off the screens at least 30 minutes before bed. The earlier the better, but figure out a time that works for you.

Sometimes the hardest part about getting enough sleep is falling asleep and then staying asleep throughout the night. To help you out, here are some tips:

Tip #1 Following a sleep schedule Try to go to sleep, and wake up, at similar times every day throughout the week, ensuring that you're waking up in between your sleep cycles and getting enough sleep. This will help to set your internal body clock into a routine. Once you get into the cycle, you will fall asleep faster and also improve the quality of your sleep. Sleep schedules help to prevent sleep-deprivation as well as over-sleeping (this is especially important since we've experienced multiple changes to our school routine this semester). Also, try not to snooze your alarms! This is a real challenge but getting out of bed after the first alarm will reduce the grogginess and fatigue that you might feel after you wake up.

If you have to use technology (to cram in that last-minute homework or study), turn on Night Shift or use an app to remove the blue light from your screens. Alternatively, you could also wear blue light blocking glasses.

Tip #5 White noise and weighted blankets Listening to white noise (such as rain sounds) and/or using weighted blankets might also help you to sleep better. These methods have been claimed to have a calming and drowsy effect on some people. This may be a personal thing but it might be worth giving it a shot if you’re really struggling!

Tip #2 Avoid naps and caffeine To keep your sleep schedule and internal body clock intact, avoid long naps. Long naps can interfere with your sleep at night and can leave you feeling disoriented and tired. However, short power naps (10–20 minutes) can also help refresh your mind if you’re starting to feel fatigued. If you have to nap, keep it short and early in the day to avoid falling into deep sleep. Similarly, limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and promotes alertness which is counter-productive when you’re trying to fall asleep. If you have to drink some coffee or tea, make sure you consume it before 3.00 or 4.00 pm, or at least 6 hours before you have to sleep.

Tip #3 Cool and Dark Keeping your bedroom at a cooler temperature (not freezing, but just cool) can also help with sleep. Our body temperatures are generally lower during sleep, therefore, sleeping in a cooler environment promotes sleep and helps you to stay asleep. Likewise, research has shown that sleeping in darkness allows us to fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Darkness promotes the production of melatonin (a hormone that helps prepare our bodies for sleep). That’s why it’s best to sleep in pitch black because even small amounts of seemingly harmless light can interfere with your sleep. Being exposed to light inhibits the production of this hormone as it sends a signal to our brain that it's daytime and messes with our internal body clock.

Semester 1 2020

Out Written by Grace Du (Year 9), continued from Semester 2 2019, page 4. Illustration by Jenny Liu, Emylene Kuoch and Michelle Hong (Year 9).

Then the inky darkness came seeping in. The strips of twilight began to draw further and further away – till the stars illuminated the black silk like a festival of lanterns. I raised my head, the new sight scaring me more than anything. The soldier stood there, but he didn’t aim his gun and shoot. The very image of a statue. Everything was frozen and I was finally able to peel myself away from Lizzie. I gasped at the relief of not having to support her weight, not having to wait for the agony of the gunshot to shatter my spine. I tilted my chin towards the impending shadows, fearing what would come next. The loop had broken. I didn’t want to be thankful, I didn't want to do anything. But I stepped forward, just one step. I pushed Lizzie to the ground, watching as her frozen, unmoving body toppled and then landed, crashing on her stiff knees, into the rubble. Everything fell apart. My vision became hazy and distorted, and I watched as the buildings started melting. The bruised sky seemed to cry as I fell to my knees too. I watched as a girl stood in front of me. Her hair was red, blown in thin strands across her forehead. It looked like – “Julia.” Her skin was the same lilac colour, her hands gripped into the same defiant fists that I knew. She looked at me, unscathed, her face twisted into brutal disgust. “Why didn’t you accept her deal?” I was silent. I struggled to say something, anything, but my answer wobbled back and forth on my tongue, and I couldn’t spit it out. “You could have had such a good life in Aryas. Forever happy. Don’t you know anything?” I quivered in my spot. I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t

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do anything. A heavy coldness settled in my heart. Why do I hate this life, even though I am the one who chose it? She only looked at me. “So stupid,” she said, her voice a hush. “You think you’re clever. You think you’re different, you think you outsmarted us. Let me tell you something – you’re not the only one who’s tried to run from Aryas, not the only one who denied its peace. You still think you can run, that you’re so brave, doing the noble thing out here and holding your dead friend in your arms. And even now, you doubt my words as you retreat in denial.” I shook my head, a small resistance against her words. But she merely sneered. “Whenever you think you’ve risen above us, made the right choice, backed us into a corner, overpowered us, you’ll still be right where I wanted you. So just surrender.” I stopped, my eyes glaring. I was a stranger to the haze of grey clouding the ghost’s eyes. “You’re not real.” I said, shoulders dropping. “You died. You’re just a trick.” She smiled. “Where are your brains, my dear sister?” Her voice sounded sharp and cold, like ice. “I am so very real, and so very happy – a happy girl of Aryas. It’s a better place. “I’ll tell you this, girl to girl, heart to heart. Take my hand and walk with me to Aryas, to a haven where you’ll forget about anything that mattered to you.” Was she right? I didn’t know. I had never felt like I belonged in Aryas, but I had not even stepped into the outside world, only that bland white hospital room. What did I know? But at the same time, my instincts told me it was a place of no PLC Sydney College Crow PLC Sydney College Crow

real meaning, where people only had an artificial attempt at happiness. I knew there was no euphoria without loss. But it was my sister. She would never trick me, not my – I looked into her eyes, that dull grey, at her loose ginger hair, not the flame-red which I knew. And most of all, her words, her meaningless words. “It’s an oblivion, not a haven.” The words came out of me. I knew they were my words. “Listen here, agent of Aryas pretending to be my little sister – take some notes. Julia is smarter than you. Julia knows that in a place like Aryas, the people aren’t really happy. Julia loves me. Julia would never taunt or pressure me.

Semester 1 2020

“So how about I tell you something, girl to girl?” The image of my little sister stood there, unmoving, as I leaned closer. I could see her blood coursing rapidly through her veins as she stared at me. Her pupils dilated, eyes darting back and forth. “Get out of Aryas while you can. You might think you’re happy, that we’re the fools, but really…” The sky was weeping now. A mist descended upon the land. “...You’re the ones who are trapped.”

TO BE CONTINUED...

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PLC Sydney Legends Written by Imogen Sabey (Year 10), illustration by Emelie Johansson (Year 8).

Long before the tragic traffic of today’s girls bustling through corridors to get to their classrooms, there were tunnels deep beneath the PLC Sydney grounds. These tunnels ran all throughout the campus, providing passageways between classrooms all over the school, even in The Croydon. The plan was that, by way of a steep staircase, the PLC Sydney girl could make her way through the tunnels to any class she wished. Built by a mysterious Principal during the early 20th century (whose details are not in the handbook due to their sketchy record and questionable behaviour), these tunnels are still deep down. Perhaps they were waiting to be uncovered by a daring Year 8 student who thinks she can take on the world, along with the terrible cryptid horrors that lurk beneath the tennis courts. The Principal never showed anyone the blueprints of the tunnels, to the P&F’s chagrin, and by the time they had disappeared, the tunnels had already been built. As a precaution, the Deputy Principal sent a few people down just to assess its safety. Despite seeming extremely disoriented on re-entry in Room 5, all seemed well, at first. The PLC Sydney girls have been using the tunnels to navigate for quite some time now, and have gotten used to the lack of signs indicating any sense of direction. Once they’re in the tunnel, they tend to follow the rest of the crowd and cross their fingers that somebody knows what’s going on, because the tunnels are long, winding and lead to God knows where. Nobody’s certain what’s really down there, underneath the campus. There are rumours that the tunnels split off to cover the whole suburb of Croydon, but everyone knows that’s just absurd. On the sunny afternoon that our tale begins, it’s chaos. The bell rings, signalling the end of recess, and accompanied with Assembly running late (again), a large kerfuffle has ensued. In a matter of moments, nearly everyone’s already gone to class, which leaves a young, anxious-looking girl carrying a pile of books which nearly dwarf her in size and number. She ducks her head down to avoid eye contact with the tall and intimidating older girls who have an air of self-confidence that she doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to possess, and hurries along as fast as her little feet will carry her. Suki Lewis has just started Year 8 and, unfortunately for her, she’s already late to her Geography class. Her teacher is very strict, and she swore that any girl in her class to turn up late would receive a tough reprimand. Suki would rather die than get a tough reprimand, and she makes the decision to brave the tunnels on her own. Making her way down the narrow stairs and past the thin stream of students brushing by, she hurries towards the left fork that she’s pretty sure goes to Room 21, where her teacher and classmates are probably waiting and gossiping about her right now. At this thought, Suki breaks into a jog and a nervous sweat, tripping over a piece of paper on the floor that, when properly looked at (which she doesn't), reads ‘Do Not Enter’. Unfortunately for Suki, the piece of paper has been turned over on the blank side.

Suki turns right on another fork and then left again. She’s pretty sure that Abigail told her it was left, right, left, left. Or was it left, right, left, straight? She doesn’t know. It’s only when she turns sharply to the right and finds herself in an actual, man-made room, dropping her Geography book in open-mouthed shock, that she realises Abigail probably didn’t know, either. The walls are covered in sheets and blueprints from ceiling to floor, spanning most of the room, and the gravelly tone of Neil Diamond sings somewhere in the background. Everything is covered in a thick layer of dust. There’s a small table that appears to have a model of the PLC Sydney campus, except it’s got a level underneath that shows a crosssection of the tunnels. Suki sees the way they weave off into The Strand, along the train line and cover a huge section of houses, but then the model cuts off. She steps closer to the wall covered in blueprints, tracing her fingers along the lines. It’s a map. Except this map shows more than just Croydon. It goes all the way down to the city and stretches out to places she doesn’t even recognise the names of. On one wall, there’s a large red button. There’s also a huge mahogany chest in the corner. Not even pretending to restrain her curiosity (Mrs Chiba can’t see her, so she probably won’t get rubbish duty for poking around), Suki practically dives at the box labelled ‘DO NOT OPEN’. She scoffs at anyone who thinks that’ll work in a school PLC Sydney College Crow

full of teenagers. Really, it’s like they were asking for it. The lid of the box opens after she undoes a small golden latch, and dust clouds billow out like it hasn’t been opened in a hundred years, making Suki break into a coughing fit. Inside the chest is a single sheet of paper. Suki holds her breath as she unfolds it and reads the brief message inscribed. Her breath billows out in a whoosh when she’s done, and she gazes at the room with a newfound sense of horror. She glances back to the red button with something almost akin to trepidation, not a rare sight for Year 8 girls. She folds the paper back up and places it gingerly back in the box, and then she takes a step towards the button like the ground might shake if she isn’t on tip-toes. Her hand wavers above the button, and Suki braces herself and pushes it, squeezing her eyes shut as she does so. Dust falls from the ceiling, and a low rumbling sound begins. Then Suki Lewis runs for her life. Semester 1 2020

Later, she feels a small pang of regret that she hadn’t thought to bring her Geography books with her. Half an hour later, when the lessons had finished and the girls were packing their things, they found that the tunnels had collapsed. Somehow, without anyone’s knowledge or awareness, the stairs had crumbled into nothing more than dust, and it was as if they had never been there in the first place. The PLC Sydney girls were quite frazzled, but took it in their stride, as ladies of integrity and purpose are wont to do. Rumours circulated around the school that there had been a monster hibernating below that had woken up and brought the whole structure collapsing down on them, or that a dastardly spy from Pymble had come to destroy the foundation of the College. Suki never told a soul about what had transpired on that fateful day, and took the contents of the letter to her grave. Luckily, she didn’t get Rubbish Duty for being late to class.

Written by Sasha Prokhorov (Year 8). 1901

I tighten the ribbon that fastens my hair, the top of my head as hot as my iron at home, each strand of hair shining under the hot sun. The sun shines dutifully on the grey city, the brick buildings on either side of the street luminating a brilliant scarlet. We shall march soon. I glance over to my right at Helen and Margaret. Every so often one of them re-adjusts the ribbon on her hat or tugs at her stays. Margaret grips her sign tightly, her face stern with determination. The bold, black letters can be seen from miles away: Three words screaming a demand. I feel a sense of pride standing at the fore of the group. I’m wearing my best Sunday dress, the silky faille swaying gently to the melody of the breeze, the ruffles on my breast plumed and ready – perhaps as ready as I am. The town’s clock strikes 12. A sense of realisation dawns on me. I know that no matter the outcome, I will always be proud, and will always remember the day we marched. The ladies around me straighten their backs and lift their chins. And the chants begin. “Votes for women!” “Votes for women!” “Votes for women!” The group marches forward, confident, valiant. We march for our rights. Suddenly, the clamour and the chants swarm around my ears and all sound becomes muffled. I feel as if I am underwater. Worry clouds my head. What would my husband say? James Thompson. Like most men, he is against the women suffragettes. Am I doing the wrong thing? I had heard rumors of men beating their wives for their involvement in the Women’s Suffrage League; I broke into a cold sweat at the thought. What if… No. I demand equality. There is no reason why men should be allowed to run for office, to vote for the future of our country, and women shouldn’t. This was the year our six colonies united and formed the federal Commonwealth of Australia. Next year, I thought, women like me will already be allowed to vote. We are our only hope of a new nation – one of equality and improvement to the lives of Australian women. We should not be sitting in the dark, cooking and working, whilst our husbands decide our lives, our futures. We will shape our own lives and the lives of others for the better. We are women!

I felt myself rapidly rising from beneath the surface again. I was back in the moment; chants loud in my ears, my face tingling with excitement and joy. Yes! I am a woman! And I am proud! Men will not be superior to me! We march on, forever and ever, but I don’t care. The sun is unbearably hot, my dress sticking to my skin, my forehead getting hotter and sweatier with every step. The chants grow distant – I can’t hear them anymore. I’m back underwater.

My joy has turned into a sudden tiredness, an ebb of exhaustion that threatens to pull me into unconsciousness... As I feel myself falling, a pair of hands brace my back and lower me to the ground. I open my eyes to the face of a beautiful young man. He’s around my age, with dark eyes and silky, brown hair. I blush as he helps me up. “I–I was marching and…,” he grins ruefully as I stutter through my words. “George Lansbury, honoured to meet you,” he says. “Elizabeth Thompson, member of the Women’s Suffrage League”, I announce, filled with a strange, sudden confidence. “You have all my admiration,” he says, sincerely. “Really? You do not think we ought to stay PLC Sydney College Crow

Illustration by Zoe Kopczyk (Year 8).

1902 home, stay quiet, while our husbands decide our lives for us?” He laughed. “No, I’m a strong supporter of your league, Miss… Elizabeth.” He isn’t in any way like my husband, and I find that he makes me happy in a way that James never has. I abandoned the parade, which was almost finished anyway, as he invited me for a stroll. Oh, how we talked! It was as though we took the words from each other’s mouths. It was invigorating to talk to someone who agreed that our country has everything but equality – it needs a new nation,

better, more equal than the last. I told him about my James, and how he disapproves of my eagerness for the new nation of Australia. George shook his head. “What your husband must understand is that women have the potential for good, good things in this world – that’s only if we let them. Don’t listen to his discouragement. You fight for the rights you believe in, rights for you and other women. Australia’s future depends on you.” I feel bubbly and filled with happiness at meeting such a man who supports our endeavours! After a lovely couple of hours, we arrived at my house.

My dear friend Helen, I congratulate you on this marvellous day, a day I hope womankind will remember, a hundred years from now, the day we, women, were granted the right to vote. We will create a better future for other women and ourselves, and make Australia an equal nation.

George is a dear heart! To celebrate he bought me a gorgeous ring – diamond and all. It was more beautiful than the engagement ring he gave me. I'm sure you have received the wedding invitation. I have written to Margaret as well. Another thing; I was walking in town the other day, and saw James in the papers. The fool consumed too much liquor and was arrested for disturbing the townspeople! Serves him right! Georgie almost never drinks. I hope you and William are well.

I hope to visit again soon. Archie was an angel!

“Thank you,” I said, “That was lovely.”

Your loving friend,

George smiled, kissing my hand. I entered the house, confident.

Soon to be Mrs Elizabeth Lansbury

I was a woman. Ready to face anything. Semester 1 2020

The Crow Librarians in Residence Book recommendations CORNEr Written by Olivia Chan and Audrey Storer (Year 8). Illustration by Olivia Chan.

Oh, hey guys! Welcome back to the Book Recommendation Corner! ;D For those of you that are here in our Book Corner for the first time, this is how it works: We give a review of some books we’ve read, in a specific genre, for each edition of the 'College Crow'. AND YOU HAVE TO READ THEM! Nah, just kidding. But you should *wink, wink*. DYSTOPIAN. Our favourite genre besides Fantasy. And Mystery. And... nevermind. We’ve bombarded you with a whole arsenal of series this time, so get ready! Get your hands on these whenever you get the chance. Just so you know, all the books we review here are available in the PLC Sydney Library and there's always the option of an audiobook or an ebook (to make everyone’s lives easier). Olivia: I really recommend you guys add these to your reading lists, they’re all amazing. Audrey: You do realise that no one else keeps reading lists, right? Olivia: Oh. Are you sure? I’m pretty sure people do. It’s a good idea. Much more organised. Audrey: *sigh*

- Audrey and Olivia The Hunger Games Series Author: Suzanne Collins Library code: F COL | Reviewed by Audrey: 4 out of 5

This series is probably the most well-known on our list. It’s a series of three books set in the future about a world split into 13 Districts. They range from very rich to extremely poor, and each District is in charge of a certain aspect of life, such as fishing or mining. Every year, 24 children are selected to fight to the death in an arena, as a way for the Dictator to maintain power. This event is called the Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen, the main character, is an average girl whose sister is chosen to be in the Hunger Games. Katniss volunteers as tribute, and is thrown into the arena to fight for her life. I thought that the series was really good, but I’d recommend only reading it once. I tried re-reading the series, and it just didn’t seem as good the second time. I’m afraid I may have ruined it for myself :( The series starts with The Hunger Games, followed by Catching Fire, then Mockingjay. There is now a fourth book in the series, a prequel, coming out in late May, called The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes. It is set 64 years before the events of the original Hunger Games book. Overall, the series was really interesting and stimulating, and I can see why it’s so popular. P.S. Olivia wants me to give you this message: She says, “If you haven’t read the Hunger Games, you haven’t lived. And being un-alive isn’t fun.” And also, “The only way I was mildly coping with ending this franchise was by replaying the Epilogue scene from the movie, over and over again on youtube.” And, “I’m still upset it’s finished.” Because she’s a wimp. (WELL, Audrey, you are needy.)

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Divergent series Author: Veronica Roth Library code: F ROT | Reviewed by Olivia: 4.9 out of 5

Honestly, I feel like people have already read this and there’s no point in reviewing it. I have to say, Divergent is actually really good. In Beatrice Prior’s world, society is split into five Factions. Every sixteen year old has to make the decision of which Faction they will choose. Beatrice has to choose between her family and who she really is. I don’t want to spoil this for you, but IT’S REALLY GOOD. Although, I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed because it makes the series seem extremely promising, yet I know most people are dissatisfied with the end of Allegiant. I think I can tell why. Yes, Veronica Roth, you may have made a mistake there. Thankfully, we are only reviewing the first book, Divergent. Read that one and the second one, Insurgent, they’re good. Can’t promise anything about the rest… I haven’t tried Allegiant yet, but I guess you can take your chances. There is also one last book called Four, a collection of five Divergent short stories from Four’s perspective. Matched series Author: Ally Condie Library code: F CON | Reviewed by Audrey: 4.5 out of 5

A highly regarded author returning for the second time in our Book Corner. AND I TOTALLY GET WHY! Matched is top notch. It’s about a girl named Cassia who lives in a world where society pretty much rules over you completely. They calculate how they believe you should live and the best outcome for your life. They even determine when you die. Cassia turns sixteen and gets ‘matched’. Which is basically the officials telling you who you’ll marry and that you’ve got no other choice (unless you choose not to marry at all). Then, something unexpected happens and the story completely turns, etc, etc. And so you all need to read it. The other books in this series are Crossed and Reached.

Fearless Author: Tim Lott Library code: F LOT | Reviewed by Audrey: 5 out of 5

Unfortunately, this book is not a series. I would go so far as to say that this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The story is about a girl with no name in a prison for young women (sound familiar?). It is advertised as a massive laundry where misbehaving girls can be sent to be taught the values of hard work and kindness. Spoiler alert: it isn’t. Upon entry, the girls are stripped of everything, including their names. They all have nicknames, and our main character’s is Little Fearless. She is the only one who rebels against the harsh system, risking her life for the greater good. The ending is so powerful, and it’s an interesting commentary on today’s society and what we’re becoming. Overall, I thought this book was amazing, and I would read it again and again. (Olivia: I think this cover is slightly creepy. I mean, look at it! WELL GUESS WHAT? It’s looking BACK AT YOU!!!!)

Continues on page 14. Semester 1 2020

Continued from page 13.

Time Catcher Series Author: Cheree Peters Library code: F PET | Reviewed by Audrey: 4.5 out of 5

This book is the first in a series (the sequel is Time Warper). Unfortunately, you can’t get the second one in the library yet or even on Kindle (I tried). The book is about a young princess called Althea. Her world is split in two. The normal people, and the manipulators. Manipulators are people who have evolved to manipulate the world around them. They are classed as evil, terrible people and are shut out from the kingdoms. Althea seems to be the only one who thinks things might be different. And then she meets a manipulator, and her world is turned upside down. This book was really good, and I found it hard to put down. I read it in like, one sitting and I think my parents were slightly concerned because I didn’t move for about three hours. In summary, the book’s good, so read it, ’kay?

Legend series Author: Marie Lu Library code: F LU | Reviewed by Olivia: 5 out of 5

This is a very captivating book and was, in fact, inspired by Les Miserables. Mmm. How fascinating. Anyway, the book has two main characters, who live in a very dystopian California. The Republic is split into rich, well-off people, and the poor, who live in slums. Children are tested at a young age to determine which of these sectors they will live in and what their ranking in society will be. Day (the Republic’s most wanted) and June (the Republic’s beloved prodigy) are the main characters. June’s brother was murdered by Day and June is hunting him down to avenge her brother. Of course, they have an unexpected encounter… BUT, June realises what the Republic is doing to people (sorry that this is so vague but I don’t want to spoil the book) and decides to team up with Day. The only bad thing about this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger. Gosh, sometimes I really dislike those cliffhangers. Thankfully, the Library has the second and third book in the series. The books are Prodigy and Champion. Legend, Prodigy and Champion are also graphic novels. The last book, Rebel (set 10 years after Champion), is not owned by the PLC Sydney library (yet...). It’s an amazing series, truly compelling.

DID YOU KNOW? The most popular book genre in Australia is crime/mystery/thriller. This is followed by historical fiction, contemporary/general fiction, sci-fi/fantasy and, last but not least, classics. Where is the dystopian??! We demand some dystopian representation! If you’re interested, look up: dailyreview.com.au/australia-loves-books-new-research-reveals-reading-habits/

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Self-Por traits self-portrait of the woman as a young girl. there’s a kaleidoscope that’s tucked in the creases of her eyes as she smiles. it’s a fascinating future that she sees – colours scattered, twisting, scrambled, turning, a mix and match of lines and curves. but She believes. there’s beauty within the chaos, she says. five shapes, four colours, and there’s beauty within the emptiness, too. fingers dipped in rainbows; the smallest bare, but she doesn’t know what it means. not yet, not then.

self-portrait of the woman as a young artist. fingers skim over taut skin and a blank canvas. dipped in, swirling. the colours form. wild, they claw. converge, then spread. imagination’s unpredictable, they say. she’s red, yet paints with black. given five, but only four leave marks. blood pulsing through, coated in rainbows. the fifth one bare. “the small one’s too precious,” she says. “I don’t make promises.”

self-portrait of the woman. there’s nothing she cannot describe with colour, yet she doesn’t. she no longer lives through her eyes; the smudged acrylic. she tucks the colours away in the creases of her eyes. finds hope in the power of words. submerges herself within the depth of the raw and unfettered emotion of blacks and whites and nothing else. “emptiness is a culmination,” she says. for there’s courage in painting nothing, with fingers dipped in rainbows. Written by Amy Feng (Year 9), illustrations by Zoe Kopczyk (Year 8).

The Daily Bull Year 8

Year 7 Due to Year 7s getting confused and lost all the time, they will each have their very own Year 12 special buddy *cough* slave. No, we don’t know where W.2.03/4/5 is. It is compulsory that Year 7s bring extra cash to donate to other students every time they ask where a room is. The race for friendships is on! Think about it carefully – don’t just grab the first person you see! Year 7s caught going to their lockers between classes will have to donate their locker to Year 12s. Year 7s caught wearing their PE uniform out of school grounds will have to make their own PE uniform from scratch in the textiles room at lunchtime. Year 7 TikTok artists caught filming will have to go to the bathrooms and sing Happy Birthday every time someone washes their hands. Any Year 7s doing TikTok in the middle of the Thompson Hall pathway will be given detention. Take time to enjoy the non TikTok universe around you. Study for the HSC. You’ll be extra prepared. Stop freaking out about homework and assessments. Wait till you get to the Senior years for that.

There’s no excuse for not knowing where your classes are. Any Year 8s that forget their white PE socks will have to paint them on. Students getting less than 15 hours of sleep will have to attend a compulsory lecture on why sleep is important (led by Miss Mella and Mrs Chiba in their pyjamas). Any Year 8s who ask to go to the bathroom in a language class will have to do it in that language, no exceptions. I don’t care if you’re busting. Any girl who has over 299 Instagram followers will have to permanently delete their Instagram account and make a PLC Sydney fan page instead. If you get constantly mistaken for a Year 7, it is compulsory to move down to Year 7. Or get taller. There will be compulsory phone checks to see if you have downloaded TikTok. Anybody who didn't will have to see Mrs Chiba for compulsory TikTok dance lessons.

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Year 9 If any Year 9 girls wear makeup at school, teachers have the power to redo it however they like. Just ignore the dress that I’ve had since Year 7. Yeah, it's totally knee length! You are not allowed to make fun of the Year 7s or 8s for being small or you will be demoted to Kindy. If you complain about your small locker then you will be stuck with it until you graduate (unless you bribe a Year 7 for their locker). Get used to the new room numbering system. The rest of us did. Stop complaining.

Year 10 Good luck with all the Year 7s asking where all the rooms are. Complaining about lack of sleep? Hire a hitman to get you with chloroform! How’s exchange going?

Year 11 Complaining about lack of sleep? Just rot like the rest of us, coward. Don’t get all conceited about frees *eyeroll*. New recruits for roundabout duty will have to join a short course that teaches them how to open all the different car doors properly. If you’ve touched the boot of the car you’re officially a rebel now. If roundabout duty isn’t the highlight of your day… you're not doing it right.

Year 12 Common Room Corona Time was fun while it lasted. Cya LATAR ATA.R

If someone makes another TikTok in the Common Room… I'll make one too. Are your teachers your friends yet? Practise typing for the HSC.

Staff If any teacher wants to go to the bathroom or fetch any papers during a lesson, the entire class will have to say simultaneously, ‘I don't know, can you?’ and, ‘It’s MAY I, not CAN I.’ Every teacher must wear the uniform, no makeup, no dangly earrings, and no talons. Teachers who come late to class have to sign in at the office, have a good excuse, and a chat with Dr Burgis. Teachers are politely discouraged from trying to understand TikTok.

General Any person who considers themself a Class Clown must apply for the Clownery License. Any class with more than two certified Clowns will perform a gladiatorial Clown Show for the class. Any Class Clown showing any form of dignity or embarrassment will be eliminated. Forgetting to thank your bus driver will be punished with listening to 10 hours of bagpipe practice. If you complain about how it sounds you must attend all competitions and performances to show your support. Don’t say you’re not athletic if you are. Thank you. If you give in a ‘gold coin donation’ using silver cent coins, you will be surcharged with 10,000% tax and it will be donated to Wunanbiri, Allowah, and the Guide Dogs. Anyone who comes to Mufti Day in pyjamas will have to wear clothing from lost property. Just because you know how to use a makeup brush doesn’t mean you’re the next James Charles. Any student in Maths 1 or Extension Maths who is complaining about how hard the work is will be put into a Kindergarten maths class. Learn the basics correctly this time. Dorcas must be knitted by grandparents only.

Illustrations by Isabella Loo (Year 7).

Semester 1 2020

The Daily Bull: COVID-19 Edition In light of recent events, we will be making a new club called the Big D (short for “Big Disasters”). Students in the club will join to investigate national and international crises, and what the PLC Sydney community can do in response to them. Due to the mass lockdowns, NESA has decided to cancel Year 12 examinations. All students will now rely on a lucky draw. Best of luck to all! Only nine hours of YouTube per day allowed. Just announced: We will be having a weekly Clean Your Room Day. Instagram is banned and everyone must instead do Yoga. You’ll feel so much better for it! Any student who signs in and out but doesn’t do the work and gets away with it will be suspended… oh wait… Anyone who has WiFi problems must do pushups until the internet reconnects.

Anyone caught eating more than three meals a day must retire from Netflix-binging and work out instead. GO OUTSIDE.

All music students will be required to sing a song together on a school-wide Zoom call to raise morale in these hard times. Open Day has been moved back to its original date. Make sure to follow the Instagram account to get the full experience. True story: My free in Period 2 meant that I was able to put away the clothes that were on the washing line before it started raining during Homeroom. I would like to extend my thanks to the school for good timetabling. -------------------------------------------------------------When you accidentally send a public ZOOM chat... No one: Me: --------------------------------------------------------------

Illustrations by Isabella Loo (Year 7).

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Coronavirus Home Life Written by Horatia Ma (Year 11).

REGULAR TIMETABLE 6:00 AM 7:30 AM

8:20 AM 3:00 PM

4:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

Get up, get ready for school On route for school (Morning classes hahaha) (Co-curricular gals have probably been here for hours already) School starts School ends, start heading home (After school classes hahahaha) (Co-curricular gals will probably have to stay here for even more hours) Get home (conditions apply, see above) Dinner, sit down with family, free time (Senior students hahahaha) Homework and study Bedtime (Senior students hahahahahahahahahahahahaha)

LEARNING FROM HOME TIMETABLE SOMETIME IN THE MORNING 8:20ISH AM

Roll out of bed, pet the dog

School starts, sign in to Period 1 (Morning class hahaha) (Hide the dog in the chair next to you or on your lap) Yell at siblings for using up the Wifi INTERMISSION (Dog in lap) School ends, sign out of Period 6 3:00ISH PM (Afterschool class hahaha) Dinner? Play with the dog, ignore your family WHEN YOU GET (“I’m self-isolating, Mum! I’m being an upstanding citizen!”) HUNGRY SOME REASONABLE Bedtime HOUR OF THE NIGHT (Read: reasonable hour)

Semester 1 2020

T h e i r

Wa l l

o f

Fa m e

Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603)

We may never be the queens of England (maybe in our own way) but Queen Elizabeth truly had many more things in common with us than we might think. Back when Elizabeth ruled there were many stereotypes about who should take the throne... despite Elizabeth being the eldest of Henry VIIIâ€™s children she was not the one who would take the throne if her Father had a son (which, as we know, he did). As soon as Prince Edward was born he automatically became the heir to the throne (which was so unfair). Today some of those stereotypes still exist in society (in fact only a few decades ago women were not allowed to attend universities). Despite all of this, Elizabeth overcame her obstacles with great resilience and became one of the greatest monarchs in history. This is why she has earned her place on this wall of fame. Malala Yousafzai (1997-Now)

Malala has become globally known, and received a Nobel Peace Prize, for her activism and teaching young women to stand up for their rights. Her story of persistence is one that young ladies can look up to. Malala made a stand for her rights after the Taliban took control of her village. In 2012 Malala spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to learn. A few months later, a gunman shot her in the head for that speech. Thankfully she made a full recovery in 2014. Eventually, after many years of persistence and hard work, she studied at a university and has continued working hard for the right for girls to learn. We should think twice about not wanting to go to school every morning when many others in this world do not have the privilege of being able to attend school.

Miles Franklin (1879-1954)

Miles Franklin was a famous Australian writer and feminist who is best known for her novel My Brilliant Career. Miles Franklin was born in 1879 in Talbingo, NSW, and grew up in the Brindabella Valley. She was educated at home until 1889 when she went to Thornfield Public. She started a career in writing and wrote My Brilliant Career. Her book is about a teenage girl growing up in rural NSW. It was published in 1901 and still relates to our society today and it also tells us what her society was like. She supported and encouraged Australian literature throughout her life, and established, in her Will, a major annual prize for literature about Australian Life, the Miles Franklin Award.

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T h ro u g h o u t

H i s t o r y

Written by Isabelle Badger (Year 8), illustrations by Reina Shi (Year 7).

Edith Cowan (1861-1932)

Edith Cowan was an Australian social reformer who worked for the rights and welfare of women and children. She was best known as the first Australian woman to serve as a member of parliament. She was born in 1861 in Geraldton, Western Australia, and grew up in Geraldton until she went to boarding school in Perth on her 14th birthday. In 1894, Edith was one of the founders of the Karrakatta Club – a club where women met to discuss politics. She became famous in the Women’s Suffrage League which persuaded the Western Australian government to allow women to vote in 1899. She believed that women and children’s rights were not properly recognised by the nation. She was one of the first women to serve on a local Board of Education. In 1906 she helped establish the Children’s Protection Society, and a year later, the Children's Court. In 1921, at age 59, she was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, the first woman to be elected to Parliament. Her contributions to the development of education, particularly in government schools, has been honoured by Western Australia's Edith Cowan University being named after her.

Marie Curie (1867-1934)

Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics, in 1903, and the first person to be awared a prize in two different scientific fields (Chemistry in 1911). She was born in Warsaw in 1867. She studied at Warsaw's Flying University, an underground establishment. In 1891 she followed her elder sister to study in Paris, where she achieved a higher degree in science. During World War I she developed mobile radiography units to provide x-ray services to field hospitals. Her scientific research led to technology that is still used today (e.g. x-ray machines). Semester 1 2020

A u s t r a l i a n Wo Written by

In the 19th century, women had very few legal rights. Once married, they would have to yield all their assets and any wages earned to their husbands. Before the 1870s, women were not able to file for a divorce, and even after the legislation was altered in the 1880s, it was still difficult. Women who were left alone were usually forced to find work that paid up to two thirds less than a man’s wage for the same job.

Women needed the support of trade unions as they often experienced unsafe and unregulated working environments. Trade unions were against women entering the workforce as they believed that it would lead to a decrease in wages for men.

VOTES WOM Election day in Adel

Before women were given the right to vote, many men believed that women did not want to vote, or that they were were not educated or clever enough to hold an opinion.

Men believed that women should instead focus on raising children and doing housework, enabling men to decide the social and domestic policies, especially those which affected women. It was in the 19th century that higher education for women began to prosper and flourish around the world, including Australia. Education for women was expanding out of the home and into schools and universities.

T he first Austra referendum in whic

Women were everywhere, and their presence … no doubt had a together of the multitude than that which distinguished the Quote from ‘How The Women Voted', an article in the weekly Adelaide newspaper ‘The Observer' on

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men’s Suf fr a ge

Kate Kim (Year 8).

Gradually, there were increasing options for women which also provided pay, although terrible working conditions continued to exist.

FOR MEN

Women believed that gaining the vote would enable them to elect candidates who would enact laws to improve society as a whole and improve the position of women and children in particular. As women became even more determined to gain the right to vote, they began to speak out against gender inequality in newspapers, reports and journals.

aide, 25 April 1896.

lian election and h wo m e n c o u l d vo t e .

In Australia, the suffrage movement occurred at around the same time as the move towards Federation (a campaign to unite Australian states into one nation). Suffrage community groups, such as the Women’s Suffrage League, the Working Women’s Trade Union, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Social Purity Society, were formed during this time. These groups marched, protested and organised petitions in support of women's suffrage.

In 1894, South Australia became the first state in Australia to grant women the right to vote. At the same time, South Australian women became the first in the world able to stand as candidates in state elections. Gradually, all women in Australia gained the right to vote. Today, the influence of the courageous and strong women of our past can be felt throughout the whole globe.

ref ining influence. Never have we had a more decorous gathering f irst exercise of the female franchise on Saturday April 25 1896. 2 May 1896, page 41. Photograph sourced from The National Museum of Australia, www.nma.gov.au.

Semester 1 2020

‘She’ Son

Want a break from the ads? Read this short review to receive 30 minutes of ad-free music to add to your quarantine playlist!

Written by Shirley Chen, Linda Liu and Caitlyn

She – Harry Styles

She: No point in the song. Why is she in a daydream?? The first lyric is ironically about a man, the female character does not really have her own identity as her identity is determined by her relationship with the male persona. LL: Kinda baddd. CW: Very atmospheric with sound effects and beat, not my favourite song on the album. SC: Not my style… at all.

She’s So High – Tal Bachman

She: References historical female figures including Cleopatra, Joan of Arc and Aphrodite. CW: A classic. SC: Reminiscent of a country bop. WOAH the chorus is so satisfying.

She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

She: Focuses more on the female experience, the album is literally called Songs About Jane so this song most likely is too. The male persona is offering to be there for the female character and willing to compromise with her. LL: I like this songgg. SC: Chill vibes. CW: Classic classic classic, more chill than I remember it to be.

She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer

She: Initially about judgement from others due to their young romance, then shifts to the boy's infatuation with the girl. LL: Very iconic pop. CW: Very upbeat.

She Got the Best of Me – Luke Combs

She: Male trying to get over female character who broke his heart and took a part of him. SC: Country style, the accent made me smile :D (‘she got the best of mey’). CW: Really like the layering of all the instruments.

She – dodie

She: Also about love but basically the only one not about a relationship between a male character and a female character. SC: Such a warm and sad song that makes you feel happy?? When your brain hurts from loud noises :)) Note: Shirley thinks sad songs ‘pick her up’ when she’s sad – proceed at your own risk. CW: Ouch, very soft, the harmonies, ooooh.

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ngs Review Wong (Year 12). Illustration by Linda Liu.

She Used To Be Mine – Sara Bareilles

She: Probably the only song on this list that’s not about love. The female persona reflects on both the good and bad things about the person she used to be, talking about ‘her’ imperfections makes it more relatable. CW: Definitely worth a listen. SC: What a classic.

She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) – David Guetta Ft. Sia

She: Characterises female character as ‘prey’, lots of animal imagery. SC: Old but gold, HIGHLY RECOMMEND, ‘you loved me and l froooooooze in time’. CW: We all know David Guetta and Sia collaborations are gold, the lead up to the beat drop is woah, the ‘claw’ sounds in the second verse are interesting hmm.

She’s the One – Monsta X

She: Also about love GR, about a ‘positive’ romantic relationship but lacks any perspective. LL: Awww this is kinda cute kPop group teehee. SC: CUTE in capital letters (Shirley, I hate to break it to you but that’s already in capital letters...) CW: I love how savage the lyrics can be, very cute, key change ¾ into the song is very neat.

She’s in the Rain – The Rose

SC: So (sad). l’m crying (brb l’m blowing my nose). LL: Such a soft song. CW: His vocals are pretty great.

She Loves Control – Camila Cabello

She: Not exactly the most positive portrayal of a female character. CW: Catchy, backing track is very cool. SC: One of my sister’s favourite jams, nearly broke the bed dancing to this. LL: Kinda repetitive, not one of my favourite songs of hers.

sHe – ZAYN

She: Very centred on love and the romantic desires of the female character. SC: Groovy woah. CW: I like the buildup in the pre-chorus, pretty good.

She – Selena Gomez

She: Looking back at her life (successes and failures) from a third person perspective. A positive and encouraging message. SC: How mysterious, not Selena’s old style, almost gives me Camila vibes. LL: I agree with Shirley, there’s a lot of autotune, aligns with pop music. CW: Cool bass line.

Semester 1 2020

SHE!

Written by Ruby Phoon (Year 8).

See that person in the corner? She blends into the background. She works, she pays her bills. She works harder than most of her male company, but she fades. Like a forgotten memory She is told this is just the way things are. Even though a voice inside her tells her that it's not right, Never more sure. She is always questioning what is right. Nobody bothered to tell her what is right. So, she goes out on a limb. She finds out. Filled with clarity, she files a complaint. Yet she is ignored and denied. Told again to be quiet, To be satisfied. Every atom of her very being roaring in the bone deep feeling of discomfort. She doesnâ€™t belong. So, she leaves, walks away with a righteous air. She will not stand to be quietened. The struggle to find work is shocking. Always asked why she left. Always replies the same, Clipped and confident: I was not being treated in the right manner. Finally after going to place after place, She finds work. Her boss is a female CEO. Here she is treated in the right manner. She is paid and respected. For one of the few times in her life she can be herself, Head held high. She is proud. She is hardworking. She is paying her bills and dues. She is caring. She is working hard, against the face of injustice.

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Illustration by Ruby Huang (Year 7). Semester 1 2020

The Light Inside Us Written by Eshwari Surendran (Year 9), illustration by Paloma White (Year 8).

She was a dreamer, Weaving words and voices together With golden threads and silver linings. She held the world in her hands But felt its weight on her shoulders. And their words were knives, Sharper than she remembered, Cold, uncaring reflections Of the hands that held them. She stumbled, falling, Forgetting who she had been Once upon a time, Far, far away from here. Memories slipped away, Like the tears down her cheeks: Sadness and joy and beauty and pain. The broken remains of that girl, fragile, lonely, lost.

28 28

In the end, there was nothing left. Nothing but â€“ an ember a spark a flame. It glowed, shining inside her, A light against the dark and the cold. It sang to her, whispered in her ear, Painted the world in vibrant colour. It was strong and fierce and bright, Brighter than the darkness. Bright with the promise of hope.

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Well society is wrong. Wrong about women, wrong about beauty – society has got it all wrong… We believe that we need to be popular and pretty to have a life. Otherwise, you are no-one.

Another year where hungry is the new trendy. Another year of steamed broccoli, and meals with no food. Another year where small is the biggest thing. Another year of measuring each other’s waists, wondering, wondering… “How much smaller can I get? How much smaller before I am enough?” Enough to impress Enough to fit in – Fit into the tiniest dress, fit in with the popular crowd, fit in with society. Society says that skinny is beautiful… Society says that girls have to wear makeup to be pretty – makeup!? Go make up whatever false pretense you need to believe you are enough. Could I be enough? No. That's such a joke.

But what life do you have if your popularity is measured by the ever decreasing numbers? What life do you have if seeing an apple as another ten laps, or another fifty push-ups, is normal? What life do you have if you are DEAD? Just because you needed to be hungry, to be pretty? ... The hospital is your second home. Dressing gowns, the latest fad. We love it here, don’t we? Enough IS enough. No, I don’t want to be here at the hospital. No, I don’t want to be sick anymore. No, I don’t want to painstakingly paint my face everyday. I am proud to be me. No facades, no masks. Just me. Lovely, beautiful, me.

Written by Carolyn Wang (Year 8), illustration by Isabella Zhang (Year 10). Semester 1 2020

HERstory Written by Isabelle Ho Shon, Aileen Kim and Lydia Kim (Year 8). Illustration by Ruby Huang (Year 7).

Her hair ripples in the wind A barricade of darkness, yet bright A reflection of the sun

The waves ahead roar

Her face is aglow with the last orange rays

Rolling down and crashing onto the shore

Before twilight turns to night, glittering with stars

Peeling away at the sand beneath her feet

A silent tear meanders down her face

Her eyes are the colour of the azure sky

A gentle reflection of her broken soul

And like the ocean â€“

As she watches the rhythmic percussion of waves

So full of life, yet so uncertain

Unceasing drumming

Her skin as fair as snow

A never-ending cycle

Glimmers in the moonlight

She stays lost in her ever-wandering thoughts Wrapping her arms around herself As the wind caresses her

A silent reassurance

Comforting her torn soul

She will make HERstory

A gentle hue of gold Earthen and muted There is a steady warmth from the sand

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Inspirational Quotes to Brighten Your Day Compiled by Freya Pidcock (Year 7). “I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. “When I’m hungry, I eat.

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.”

When I’m thirsty, I drink. When I feel like saying something,

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

I say it.” ~ Madonna ~

“It’s possible to climb to the top without stomping on other people.”

“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news.

~ Taylor Swift ~

The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”

“One of the most courageous things you can do

~ Anne Frank ~

is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.”

“No matter how plain a woman may be,

~ Sheila Murray Bethel ~

if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.”

“Women must learn to play the game as men do.”

~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~

“You can't be that kid at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” “We realise the importance of our voices

~ Tina Fey ~

only when we are silenced.” ~ Malala Yousafzai ~

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” ~ Coco Chanel ~

“The best protection any woman can have is courage.” ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton ~ “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” ~ Oprah Winfrey ~

Semester 1 2020

Emily is Free Written by Abigail Ong (Year 8), illustration by Cindy Wang (Year 7).

America 1848 The door swings behind me as my shoes touch the hard concrete floor. I walk with my head down, so I don’t attract attention. Tears slowly roll down my face as I pass multiple shop windows. Another day, another job interview, another “No”. I flushed angrily as I thought about the man picked who did not know the fundamental difference between a nail and a screw, which apparently didn't matter to the employer. I walk into my home, fully prepared to sit down and relax, maybe do some knitting or invite my friends for tea. An obnoxious yell rings through the house: “Emily! Where are you? I expect my dinner BEFORE I get home, not AFTER. What use is a wife that doesn’t even cook for her husband?” I tremble. I’m lucky that he isn’t intoxicated though. He’s worse when he is. My face flushes and I timidly stammer, “Why can’t you do it?” I hear his shrill laugh. “You’re hilarious Emily. You know that cooking and cleaning is for the woman of the house. Now stop joking around and cook for me, woman.”

our right to vote according to the declaration of the government under which we live.” Cheeky Elizabeth even manages to sneak in a sentence or two, carefully worded, encouraging the audience to sign the petition. I hear the words, “The right is ours. Have it, we must. Use it, we will. The pens, the tongues, the fortunes, the indomitable wills of many women are already pledged to secure this right.” I truly listen and feel a heaviness in my heart as she says “The wife is degraded.” As it ends, she is given a standing ovation, myself a part of it. Could it truly happen though? Could I one day work in a workshop, be able to relax with my friends, feel safe while walking on the streets at night and could I one day come home to my husband cooking for me? The answer? No, not in my time. But now, I can push for it with others and make a better world for the women and men of the next generation. I walk to the front and sign the papers, a third of the audience also doing the same.

I do what he says, knowing from experience that it’s easier to. He gobbles down the food and burps loudly before telling me to get out of his sight as his friends are coming over and he doesn’t want to be embarrassed by me. I shrug on a coat, grateful for an excuse to leave the house. I step outside, my shadow long behind me. I walk with purpose, but with my head down once again. Alas, this time it does not work. The catcalls and whistles of other men pierce through the darkening sky. I move quickly. I arrive at Seneca Falls and walk to the Women’s Rights Convention. My eyes widen. There are about 30 rows full of people and even a couple of men. Elizabeth, my dear friend, waves me in, “Come, come.”

Elizabeth pulls me aside and I gush at how incredible her speech was, and how she truly inspired me. She goes faintly red but then smiles softly at me. She says, “If you ever decide you need a place to go, you are always welcome at mine.” It is then my turn to blush as the idea is absolutely unthinkable. But still. Maybe. I thank her and promise to keep in touch more. With that, I walk out of the convention, feeling different.

I sit down and Elizabeth walks to the front. She speaks with passion and particularly emphasises the words. “We have met to uplift woman's fallen divinity upon an even pedestal with man’s. And, strange as it may seem to many, we now demand

As I walk, I no longer feel timid and shy, nor do I walk with my head down. I take the catcalls full-on, and even have the courage to yell at one lone boy who whistles my way. He walks away, rightfully shamed and for once, it felt right. I look up and admire the stars, trying to find the constellations. As I get closer to the house, I feel a bit of fear creep into my heart. I shove it firmly aside. I walk inside and my nose is assaulted by the reek of alcohol. I creep through the house, hoping to go unnoticed.

PLC Sydney College Crow

Derrick appears in front of me and blocks my way to the staircase. I bite back a scream. He steps forward and ends up cornering me against the wall. He smashes his fist next to my head against the door. I hold in a whimper. I can feel his breath on my face as he screams profanities at me. I break down and start crying, all my previous bravado gone. Is this what my life is? If it is then I refuse. I scream back with everything I have. I scream so loudly that for one second his face is frozen. I tell him that I’m not taking this for another second and I walk outside with my chin held high. I will not let anyone bring me down. I walk and walk and walk until I’m in front of Elizabeth’s house. I knock and she opens the door like she was expecting me. “Welcome to your new home, dear. Now rest up. You’ll want to be fresh for your job interview tomorrow.” I stare at her. “Excuse me?”, I stammer. “ Why, you’re going back to Mr Kine and demanding that you get that job! And you will get it, believe me when I say it, you will get it.” I shake my head with fondness but do as she says and rest up. I feel exhilarated, better than I have felt in years. I am free at last. I eat breakfast with Elizabeth before going out and demanding to see Mr Kine. He refuses but I make such a fuss that he lets me in. I won’t let him get a word in, and tell him, no, demand that I deserve the job, that he will give it to me or else. I didn’t know what the ‘or else’ is but he doesn’t need to know that. At first he laughs. But I reprimand him and he sobers. Mr Kine is halfway convinced. “What can a girl do better than a boy? And you’d need to wear trousers! We can’t have you distracting the boys!” I feel my face flame with anger and open my mouth to respond when the door opens.

women are not objects to stare at as they please, but rather, people, and I once again demand that Emily be hired or else we will lodge a formal complaint.” Mr Kine’s face drops. He gives in with a weary smile. “Very well then. You will get half the pay the boys do. But you mess up, even once, and you’re gone!” I nod, knowing that it’s the best I’ll get today and rush out of the room. “Thank you, Elizabeth! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” “It’s no trouble, dear,” she replies. “Why don't we go back home for some tea and knitting?” We start our trek back, and for once in my life, everything is fabulous. The quotes in the speech above have been taken directly from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's Seneca Falls Keynote Address, delivered on 19 July, 1848, Seneca Falls, New York.

It’s Elizabeth! And five other girls. Wait, no, 20 other girls! And a few men. What are they doing here? I stared bemusedly at them when Elizabeth clears her throat. “We are here to demand the right for Emily to be hired here, and wear shorts as she wishes. It is not her responsibility to ensure the boys are not distracted, but their own. They should learn that

Semester 1 2020

Illustration by Vicky Lei (Year 8).

ONE STE P FO R WO MEN Written and illustrated by Sasha Prokhorov (Year 8).

I fell down the stairs the other day. You’ll be happy to know I didn’t get hurt, but as soon as it happened, four girls I didn’t know rushed down to help me and another two quickly gathered the stuff that had flown out of my arms and placed it into my hands in a neat pile. A couple more watched and gave me their most sympathetic comments and 'awws'. I was still sitting halfway up the staircase, dazed, and nodded in thanks. It wasn’t until I finally got up and left the embarrassing scene I realised I forgot to say thank you. But they were already gone. What did I learn from this? That you should tie that shoelace even if you’re late for DT? That staircases should be banned all across Australia? That catapulting down five steps really hurts your behind? Well that, yes, but also another thing - Girls are awesome. I’m not just talking girls; women, females, the stick figure with the dress on the toilet door. We are incredible, and we don’t even notice it. We are the only people on this planet filled with so much empathy, quirkiness and feminismness.

Girls, be happy with yourself! You are amazing as you are... And never feel like boys have more power over you, I’d say it’s the opposite. You are so lucky that you are a woman. You just might not have realised...

Wondrous Omniscient Machiavellian Accomplished Necessary Semester 1 2020

The Rush for FRIENDSHIP

Written by Jasmine Saha (Year 7), illustration by Reina Shi (Year 7).

I stand in silence for a few minutes before the mysterious girl speaks again. “High school always looks like such a good time, when friendships blossom and others wither. People find life-long friends and they conquer ‘enemies’. But…” “It hits like a tornado, strong and fast. You're unprepared.” “Exactly.” “Do you have any friends here?” “No. I used to go to this school. I had a best friend, but then I moved away for two years. Eventually, I came back but she moved away. The neighbours told me she was coming back soon, but I’ve changed so much she probably wouldn’t recognise me.” I could hear the regret in her voice as she said this, I open my mouth to tell her the story of my old best friend and... DING! The recess bell goes. We hear the rush of girls excited to talk to their new friends or reunite with their old friends. “We need to go to recess…” I respond. “Ok.” I could hear the uncertainty in her voice. She busts open the cubicle door. I see the girl I've been talking to. She looks somewhat familiar.

Rushing through the halls, I'm dodging students and teachers, careful not to bump into any older girls. The maps they give you don’t make any sense, and the other girls in your grade are just as clueless as you are. Getting lost is guaranteed, but it’s embarrassing. You don’t want anyone remembering you as “the girl who got lost to all her classes”. I have five minutes to find my class before my teacher realises I’m missing.

“Steph, I haven’t seen you in forever!” I stare in confusion, as she looks at me with a big smile.

T103, T103, I can find it, I can find it… I can’t find it, I can’t find it, abort, abort mission. Where do you go when you can’t find a classroom? Bathroom. Alone.

Laughing she says, “Nice to see you too.”

I scamper to the bathroom and shelter in one of the cubicles. Who knew high school was so hard? I did. I’d been dreading it for ages, hoping I’d be homeschooled. I’ve heard about the drama of finding friends, becoming popular or just being organised.

Putting two and two together, I get hit with the realisation that this girl is my long-lost friend. “You look so different! When did you come back? Why didn’t you tell me? How are you here?” “Wanna go to recess? “Yep, let’s go.” And for once I was excited about what high school was going to bring. All the ups and downs, mean girls and best friends, I’m in it ‘til the very end. And at least I didn’t have to eat on my own.

I’ve heard rumours which say that girls have until lunch to find friends, otherwise it is near impossible to find friends. Homeroom teachers force alliances, making everyone obtain a friend. People fall together naturally, but I knew my so-called soulmate didn’t exist. I have two options. One, stay in the bathroom until recess, or two, go to the Nurse’s Office to pretend I'm sick. Evaluating my options, I prepare to exit the bathroom. I call on my inner actor as I walk towards the door, anticipating at least half an hour in sickbay. “You don’t want to do that, if someone sees you they will ask for a note from your teacher.” Startled, I look around for the source of the voice. “Over here, last cubicle to your left.” Turning my head I see a locked cubicle. “You hiding from class?” “Yep, I get lost for twenty minutes going to nearly every class, you?” “I don’t want to start school, I miss my old school.” So she’s new to the school. “I know the feeling.”

PLC Sydney College Crow

YOUR AVERAGE

WORLD SAVING HERO

Written by Horatia Ma (Year 11), illustration by Katelyn Ali Beck (Year 8). Hey, folks! I’m just your Average World-Saving Hero™, here on behalf of the World-Saving Hero Committee (WSHC)™. I’m here to impart our combined wisdom and help all of you lovely people achieve the same things that we have. So, the question you’re all asking: How do you become an Average World-Saving Hero™? Well, would you believe it, we at the WSHC have compiled a Helpful Guide™ for you!

TRAGIC BACKSTORY™ Have you persevered through incredible suffering and grief from your youth? If not, fear not! Contact us here at the WSHC and we will endeavour to engineer one for you! Be careful though – from this you can go down two paths, the hero, or the villain. If you choose the latter, please contact the Greater Villains League (GVL) for their tips and tricks!

PROPHETIC WISDOM™ Have you ever just walked down the street, alone and sad, contemplating the cruelties of the world, and of your own life, and been approached by a strange old white man? This strange old white man may pose as a Prophetic Guide™, but beware! Unless they pull out their certified WSHC-issued ID naming them as a true Prophetic Guide™, then they’re not the Real Deal™!

QUESTING™ Your Personal Prophetic Guide™ (PPG), should you choose to hire them, will have incredibly important (cryptic) and lifesaving information that they will

And last (maybe literally), but certainly not least:

impart to you at the last possible second! They will send you on multiple (slightly useless) starter quests that will cause near-death!! MINI-TIP: Once you reach the third quest, you are eligible for dental. Terms and conditions apply. Make sure you read the fine print.

THE QUEST™ It’s the one you’ve been training for and waiting for. Your PPG has finally deigned to impart on you their knowledge (and perhaps died), and your friends are ready to sacrifice themselves to help you!! There may be a few

FRIENDS™

tears shed here, so if you’re allergic to feelings, just swing your sword at something. Or shoot it. We don't discriminate.

You know what these are, right? In the process of becoming an Average World Saving Hero™, you’re going to need friends. Don’t stress if you’re not too sociable – you only need two of them.

And there you have it, lovely folks! I look forward to welcoming all of you to the ranks of the World-Saving Hero Committee (WSHC)™!

COSTUME AND GEAR™ What you wear might be just as important as what you’re doing. If you’re

The World-Saving Hero Committee (WSHC)™ also runs a funerary service.)

saving the world, you gotta look the part! Also, our calculations show that 96.78% of World-Saving Hero profits come from merchandising, so throw in a few costume changes while you’re at it.

Semester 1 2020

Illustration by Emelie Johansson (Year 8).

S I X The Musical

Written and illustrated by Zoe Kopczyk (Year 8). SIX is a new musical about the six wives of Henry VIII merging to become a new rebellious band. The names of his six wives are Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleeves (also known as Anne), Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr. This wonderful musical briefs us on their lives and the one thing they had in common: their terrible excuse for a husband, Henry VIII. In this musical, they have a competition to see who had it worst. Like most musicals, the best part of SIX is the songs. Almost all of them come off as upbeat but have sinister undertones to them. They flawlessly display the challenges that these women had to live through, using symbolism and innuendo to show how they were manipulated and controlled into their position as queen. It also portrays a downward spiral. However, there is one central message throughout, which is that we shouldn’t compare the queens to work out who had it worse and we shouldn’t compare others in general. They liken this idea to a prehistoric mindset and tell us to ‘leave it in the past.’ The characters show that they themselves shouldn’t be tied to the man that supposedly defined them (being Henry VIII) and that they are so much more than just his wife. I think it’s a wonderful musical and luckily for us, the Australian cast is one of the best casts! I highly recommend you check it out if you get the chance!

Semester 1 2020

Which Famous 'She' Are You? Written and illustrated by Yilan Chow, Tiffany Gao, Jasmine Gifford, Aileen Huang, Anabelle Lau, Isabella Loo, Reina Shi, Jio Yim (Year 7). 1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

2. What is your belief in romance?

(a) Alone in the mountains

(b) LET’S GET MARRIED CUTE STRANGER!!

(b) Safe at home with family and friends (c) Scotland – or anywhere near there

(d) Deep in your thoughts surrounded by drawings

(d) I'm fine being by myself

(e) Switzerland

(e) I try hard to meet other people, but in the end, I think I’d like to stay self-partnered

(f ) On the big stage (g) Campaigning for rights around the world

(a) Never trust anyone but yourself

(f ) Sure! (g) Equal Partnership

3. What’s your favourite hobby?

4. How would you describe your personality?

(a) Creating things

(a) Reserved and calm

(b) Charades

(b) Optimistic & loving

(d) Art

(d) Artsy and persistent

(e) Learning magic spells

(e) Passionate & independent

(f ) Singing

(f ) Talented and confident

(g) Exercising/being healthy

(g) Strong and quite self-reliant

5. What's your favourite colour?

6. What’s your favourite animal/breed?

(a) Light blue

(a) Mythical Horse

(b) Green

(b) Snowman

(d) Every colour is my favourite colour

(d) Monkeys

(e) Rose Red

(e) Sea otters, or any other sea animal

(f ) Gold

(f ) Cat

(g) Royal blue

(g) Dog

7. What’s your favourite snack?

8. What’s your dream house?

(a) Ice cream

(a) A house in the mountains

(b) Chocolate

(b) As long as I am not alone I'm good

(d) Soup

(d) Somewhere full of scope

(e) Jelly Beans

(e) A modern flat

(f ) Cookie dough straight from the bowl

(f ) A beach house

(g) M&Ms

(g) I really don’t care, as long as I am with family

Mark your scores:

A 40

C D E

G PLC Sydney College Crow

Results... If you mostly picked A, you’re most compatible with Elsa! She is smart, creative, and prefers being independent. Elsa loves her family and is very protective of them. She is calm, reserved, regal and – unlike her sister – graceful and poised. She’s really powerful and her interests include not letting her sister get married to strangers, running away to the mountains and awakening the magical spirits of the enchanted forest. In short, you like to be in your own company. If you mostly picked B, you’re most like Anna from Frozen! Anna is funny and energetic, and happiest when spending time with friends and family. She does all she can to protect them, even risking her life multiple times. Anna seeks true love and companionship, although this can be thought of as her greatest flaw, as she can sometimes be too trusting towards strangers *cough cough Prince Hans*. Anna sees the bright side of things and has the pure and loving heart of a true princess, which is why she is an important ‘She’ in our world. If you mostly picked C, you are like Queen Elizabeth II! During her 68 years of being Queen, starting when she was just 25, the Queen has been through a lot. She is resilient and is never pushy. She always uses her power to do good unlike many others in positions of power. The Queen is a great leader and takes charge when others don’t. She is never scared of a challenge and takes it full on. If you mostly picked D, artist Frida Kahlo is most like you! She was a resilient, strong character, considered to be one of Mexico's greatest artists. She began painting, mostly self-portraits, after she was severely injured in a bus accident. Although encountering several near-fatal incidents in her youth, she still achieved what she wanted through persistence and seeing the silver lining within a million grey clouds. If you mostly picked E, you are like Emma Watson! The role model for aspiring actresses and inspiration to young women (or “Little Women”, as she was one herself ). Starring in Harry Potter as Hermione Granger and in Beauty and the Beast as Belle, she is certainly a huge success. Although at times she can be self-critical and a little shy, she knows what to do and takes action in every situation she encounters and is always filled with energy. She’s a brilliant actress and definitely an amazing famous ‘She’ in our world. If you mostly chose F, you are most compatible with Taylor Swift! An idol for many, Taylor sure knows how to rock the music world, with 13 albums in total and a record amount of awards. Swift incorporates her thoughts and emotions into each song, making each song of Taylor’s meaningful and unique. She is an independent woman and likes to keep to herself. If you mostly chose G, you are like Michelle Obama! As a former First Lady, Michelle Obama is a role model for women. She has worked as a campaigner to raise awareness of poverty and promote education, physical activity and healthy eating. As well as being a First Lady, she is also a lawyer and a writer. Michelle Obama shows extreme leadership qualities, she has a strong character, is compassionate and very inspirational. If you chose equal amounts of EVERYTHING, you are a combination of them all! Semester 1 2020

Illustrations on this page (clockwise from top left): Katelyn Ali Beck (Year 8), Anzi Liu (Year 8), Ava Chua (Year 7).

Illustrations on this page by Vicky Lei (Year 8).