THEME 1 - CONTEXT
MESSAGES FROM KEY
SCHOOL BODIES
CHAIRWOMAN OF COLLEGE COUNCIL
It would be easy (and correct) to think of 2024 as a year of great excitement
Yet it was more than this. It was a year of consolidation and growth.
PLC Sydney had numerous successes: from our fine academic results to our major musicals and art exhibitions; a year that saw the retention of major trophies in the swimming pool and diving pool, on the public speaking podium, on the ski slopes, and on the aerobics floor We also added a major hockey trophy And who can forget the excitement when Ellie Cole dived at the Olympics, an event at which so many ex-students also featured.
The College Council praises the girls’ successes. We also praise the students who turn up each day to do their best, or who overcome significant hardships in their lives We praise the teachers who educate faithfully and energetically every lesson, the school leaders who are diligent and caring in their work, and the support staff who make the school function
Our task is to plan well for the future and to ensure the College is well-governed.
We are thrilled that the College completed the purchase of the Hennessy Street shops and that we then extended the College to purchase Waratah House We will turn these into useful facilities over time Already, the second-hand uniform shop operates out of ‘She Wears’ The work of the P & F in this endeavour is highly appreciated by Council members The P & F at PLC Sydney is outstanding
The gradual renewal of senior school classrooms continues at a pace, and the College is now turning its attention to further technological development. The Principal and Executive plan to renew our major platforms
In Sydney, we appreciate the urban infrastructure that enables the city to function well We critique that which doesn’t do its job. Our task as a Council is to ensure our school functions well. We prioritise both its form and its function. It is a beautiful campus and we aim to keep it so.
In 2024, we also sought to grow our corpus of money for scholarships We are so very thankful for the partnership with the College community in raising funds on GIVING DAY This enables girls who could not afford to come to join us Finally, I thank Dr Burgis and his wonderful team for their service to our school. As a Council, we know how capable and dedicated they are.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ’ ASSOCIATION
What an action-packed year 2024 has been for the PLC Sydney Parents and Friends Association! Thanks to the generous support of the school community, we’ve raised significant funds that directly support a variety of school initiatives. I hope your family has enjoyed some of the activities and events we’ve been a part of
We began the year with a delightful twilight function in the school gardens Despite a brief sprinkle of rain, the evening turned into a perfect summer night.
The P&F BBQ was a hit during Saturday Sports in Terms 1 and 4, offering sausage sizzles and bacon and egg rolls that delighted PLC families and visitors alike.
Our outdoor movie night, featuring Barbie, was another highlight From a Barbie Photo Booth to themed sweet treats and prizes, families enjoyed a magical evening on Drummond Field.
This year also saw the reopening of the Pre-Loved PLC Sydney Second Hand Uniform store in its new premises Open fortnightly, this revamped community hub provides affordable uniform options and fosters connections among families
Our major fundraiser, the 2024 Open Day and Fair, was a massive undertaking Despite record-breaking wet weather, the tireless committee ensured the day was a success. The maintenance team, the School finance team, and all the stall coordinators and volunteers made the event possible
Open Day is a wonderful introduction to PLC Sydney for many families, and it’s always a testament to the dedication of our community
I want to express my deep gratitude to the P&F Executive team Your enthusiasm, expertise, and support have been invaluable throughout this year In the words of John Donne, “No man is an island, entire of itself.” The success of 2024 reflects the incredible collaboration and spirit of the PLC Sydney community
PRINCIPAL ’ S MESSAGE
2024 has been a very exciting year for PLC Sydney. We are a comprehensive school that, in the words of one of our parents, ‘punches well above our weight’. From Olympic representation through to the student who first picks up an instrument: each is celebrated here We are very proud of our students Our teachers and professional support staff really love the students of the school and are grateful to be connected to them in their formative years
Aside from academic success, PLC Sydney had numerous accomplishments. They included:
● Receipt of the highest number of awards (31) in the STANSW Science Research Awards The school that came second had 8.
● Winner of the IGSA Festival of Speech - Best Independent Girls Public Speaking School
● Winner of IGSA Swimming - Best swimming school.
● Winner of IGSA Diving - Best diving school.
● Winner of IGSA 1st Hockey
● Winner of the NSW skiing competition.
● Lead school in Junior School Science
● Having a large Olympic representation.
● Being in the top five IGSA schools in Gymnastics, Athletics, Cross-Country and numerous other sports
● Numerous successes in Humanities & Arts prizes.
● Celebration of an enormous arts program - in music, theatre, musical theatre, eisteddfods, and visual arts
● Exceptional debating.
● Individual success in many fields
Behind all of this, however, is our belief that we ‘lead with love, not fear.’ Learning is about cooperative endeavour, service and community We are exceptionally proud of the girls our students become
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
JUNIOR SCHOOL - STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
This year, we were elected the 2024 Student Representative Council Captains. This was such a privilege, and we have grown so much with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The SRC community has achieved many things that everyone should be proud of The dedication and hard work that the Class Representatives have shown is admirable Girls who were elected in each class, ranging from Years 1 to 6 each semester, were in charge of bringing their class’s ideas to the SRC The SRC was run by Ms Phipps, Mrs Wheatley and us. Every term, we had two meetings where we discussed, improved and thought about new initiatives. There have been many wonderful ideas shared in 2024, and we have had the pleasure of seeing these ideas come alive.
Semester 1 was the beginning of the fabulous year yet to come It started with the arrival of the new Junior School Playground. The Junior School Playground is the place where students are invited to spend their time at recess and lunch. We have waited a long time for our fantastic play equipment. Former Captains and the SRC Representative of 2023 worked very hard to choose playground equipment and raise money for it, and were grateful for the help of the Junior School Auxiliary in this This year, the SRC representatives worked together to organise a roster and many other systems so that the playground would work smoothly We started with everyday rosters and worked with students to find out what they actually wanted. The effort that the SRC put into this was incredible, and we are so glad. This initiative was certainly an important one.
The Junior School classes have been asking for ping pong tables for years, and in 2024, we finally got them They are great fun and enjoyable, and people are always so excited when it is finally their day We would like to thank the builders who came and spent weeks installing the tables All the junior school girls saw them working and placing the heavy ping pong tables, and we are so grateful for their efforts. We also thank Mrs Wheatley for making the Year 3 Ping Pong Competition happen. That was very exciting for the Year 3 girls. We are so happy that we now have our ping pong tables to play with all the time
Another major achievement of this year was creating and improving the Year 3 Hamilton Buddy Bench, which is located in front of the Year three classrooms. A buddy bench is a bench that students can sit on when they need a friend to play with or a new friend. This was a success. The girls worked together and created signs to make our Hamilton students aware of the bench.
In Term 3, the SRC hosted a book swap This meant that students brought in books to swap with their peers. Different genres of books were brought, creating an environment of new, exciting reads. Many girls contributed to the book swap and enjoyed receiving books that they would never have thought to
read before. The book swap was done all throughout the Junior School and opened up a whole new world of imagination and creativity. We hope to continue doing the book swap in the years to come.
In one of our SRC meetings, we had an extraordinary idea shared by a Year 4 student It was inspired by one of the books they were reading, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes The 4B girls suggested getting everyone in the Junior School to make some paper cranes. Each year group was given a certain number of paper cranes to make. This was very successful, and everyone contributed. The finished cranes are displayed along the ramp outside the Year 4 classrooms.
There has been a refresh of lots of our playground equipment, with a “Bring in sand toys” initiative and also the purchase of more balls for Hamilton and sand buckets and spades for Evandale Evandale is also excited to receive its own playground library, just like Hamilton. They will enjoy being able to read at recess and lunch with their friends. We are so glad Mrs Partington is organising it for Evandale.
We are proud of all our achievements in the SRC We were honoured to have the pleasure of leading the SRC community for 2024 We had so many fun times in the meetings and are thrilled with the amazing contributions that the representatives shared We were in awe of the growth that we saw in the confidence that all the students showed. Thank you to Mrs Wheatley and Ms Phipps for supporting the SRC community. We could never have done it without you. We will hold these memories in our hearts and look back at them in the future. Lastly, we would like to thank the whole Junior School community for everything that they do
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
2024 has been a year of excitement and growth for the Student Representative Council (SRC). The SRC is a forum that allows the opinions and values of the whole student body to be heard, helping to cultivate a school community that reflects and celebrates the diversity of all of our voices Discussions in SRC meetings range from smaller issues such as access to printers, microwaves and bins, to larger issues such as the use of AI in schooling endeavours With the passionate guidance of the wonderful Ms Fu, the SRC council has discussed pressing issues and implemented visible change in the school.
This year, the SRC changed its approach In the past, one representative was elected from each Homeroom, but the new system allowed six representatives from each year group to apply, with no Homeroom limitations This shift ensured that the most passionate and dedicated students could take part, creating a space for them to voice their ideas and contribute more actively.
One of our first discussion points was the effectiveness of the school diary, used by students, teachers and admin staff. Working together, alongside Mrs Chiba and Mrs Halkidis, we worked to redesign the layout to allow for maximum efficiency The handbook was redesigned so that more space was available for students to organise their study timetables and activities.
Another concern brought forward to the SRC was how best we can deal with AI In discussions with the council, there was a healthy debate about both the positive and negative impacts that AI can have on student learning This culminated in a Google form being sent out and completed by all students in their Homeroom classes. This helped to communicate the attitudes and opinions of all students on both the usefulness as well as the limitations of using AI in school.
Toward the end of the year, we also considered the impact of participation in sport, particularly in regard to school carnivals The importance of contribution and physical activity on both physical and mental health was voiced, and discussions began between Mr Lawton-Wade and the SRC. We are encouraged by these conversations and are eager to see the results in the coming months and years
As the two Vice-Captains for 2024, it has been an absolute joy and pleasure to lead the SRC. We have loved hearing each member’s opinions and concerns, and are encouraged by each girl’s passion for change. We have also had the privilege of supporting several charities, including the International Justice Mission and the Children of Gaza Appeal, which the whole school community supported
We would like to sincerely thank Ms Fu, Mrs Halkidis, Mrs Chiba and Dr Burgis for their continual and unwavering support for this committee Further, we would like to thank all of the girls themselves Your commitment, humour and dedication showcase that the future of the SRC is in very capable hands!
CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
PLC (Presbyterian Ladies' College), Sydney is a day and boarding school for girls from pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, offering a broad curriculum to students from a diverse range of backgrounds
Founded in 1888 and situated at Croydon, the College is set within 4.4 hectares of landscaped grounds and retains its nineteenth-century heritage buildings and gardens alongside modern state-of-the-art facilities
PLC Sydney aims to educate young women from the basis of a Christian worldview to make a difference in a rapidly changing global society. Graduates are confident, caring, accomplished young women who make a fine contribution to society and who carry a genuine concern for the welfare of others.
The College is widely recognised in Australia and overseas for developing innovative educational initiatives and providing a world-class education The strong academic program of the College results in excellent opportunities for PLC Sydney students after the completion of the Higher School Certificate, with over 85% of students gaining entry to university and the remainder to TAFE and other training institutions. Approximately half the students who sit the HSC gain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 90 or higher, and students leave school to pursue a wide range of career paths.
PLC Sydney caters for students of all abilities, including gifted and talented students and students with mild intellectual disabilities. Established in 1994, the Special Education Integration Programme has become well known for pioneering advancement in education for students with disabilities. The College is home to approximately 1200 students and has accommodation for up to sixty-five boarders.
Boarders achieve their academic best and broaden their horizons in an intimate, supportive, caring environment The Boarding House offers full and weekly boarding for students in Years 7 to 12, with access to the outstanding school facilities.
Students at PLC Sydney also develop a strong global focus. Throughout their schooling career, they have a variety of opportunities to embrace international exchange, Service Learning and academic tour experiences
The College takes a personal approach to pastoral care and advice is available to every student from a comprehensive team including School Counsellors, the Chaplaincy Team, Directors for each year group, the College Nursing Sister, Careers Adviser and teaching staff.
Students at PLC Sydney have access to superb facilities including the JD Oates Aquatic Institute with indoor heated pools, McKeith Performing Arts Centre with 538 seat auditorium and teaching space for Music and Drama, state-of-the-art Science facilities, Macindoe Research Centre, Olympic sized gymnasium, tennis and basketball courts, oval, assembly hall, Futures Centre which offers tutoring, a music centre for private instrument lessons, careers and resources centre, Health Centre with on-site nursing sister and The Croydon Centre for Art, Design and Technology incorporating the Adelaide Perry Gallery
Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, and students have excellent access to appropriate technology. Both the day school and the Boarding House are wireless networked throughout, and all students in the Senior School are issued with a laptop and for Year 6 students, an iPad.
PLC Sydney is recognised for its outstanding music and sporting opportunities and the extensive range of co-curricular and cultural activities. To broaden students’ skills and experiences, they are expected to take part in activities outside the classroom program. As well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Future Problem Solving, Tournament of Minds and Model United Nations Assembly, there are extra activities and support groups These cover the areas of debating, public speaking and speech, publications, social justice, science, languages, visual arts, environmental studies, charities and humanitarian efforts, musical groups and drama
SCHOOL-DETERMINED IMPROVEMENT TARGETS 2024
The goals for 2024, set by the Principal and approved by Council, are as follows:
GOALS FOR THE YEAR
1 Christian Education
a To establish the new chaplain in her role
b To establish the new Junior School chaplain in her role
c To grow the PaTh course
d To train a new PaTh teacher
2 Cambridge and HSC
a Finalise school readiness for Cambridge ‘A’ levels in 2025
b Finalise all 2025 Cambridge subject plans
c Liaise with NESA regarding Cambridge implementation, with the goal of having a successful inspection
d Decide on any subjects that won’t continue
e Work with Kathleen Lloyd-Parker to ensure Cambridge entry to universities is fair and equitable
f Establish a high-quality program of communication with students, parents and staff regarding Cambridge and HSC subject choice.
g To communicate via social media in a very effective manner re Cambridge and the HSC
3 HSC Results
a Further refine subjects that are strong in results
b Work diligently with subjects that could improve results
c Use the external assessment process to refine results
4. Restructure the timetable to incorporate Cambridge
a Focus Professional Development on key areas
i Relationship
ii Reconciliation
iii Registration
b Finalise Peripatetic lesson times and fees
5. Develop a Teacher Educational program to shape up Christian teachers joining the profession.
6 Finalise development of TAS and Sports building - renewal of The Croydon
7 Commence classroom renovation in Freda Whitlam
8 Establish a new canteen
9 Establish the new catering provider
10 Open Lane Cove Preschool
11 Launch AI approach at PLC Sydney
12 Have a successful NESA Registration
13 Work with the Council, School, neighbours and government on the new planning proposals
14 Create an interim Dry dock Diving facility and program, and plan a long-term solution
15 Pass the new MEA and consider school-based staff salary matters
16 To revise the school’s bullying policy
17 Increase the number of boarders
CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENT BODY
(see My School website: http://www myschool edu au )
Students with Disability: 1% according to the definitions provided by the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).
THEME 2 OUTCOMES AND RESULTS
STUDENT OUTCOMES IN STANDARDISED NATIONAL LITERACY
A
ND NUMERACY TESTING
Performance in the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is documented on the My School website: My School.
POST SCHOOL DESTINATIONS
Most students who finished Year 12 and completed their school education signalled an intention to undertake further study Of the 162 students to complete their HSC and receive an ATAR, more than 90% were offered a place at university, while most of the remaining students indicated a preference to study at a private college or TAFE We note that the school has limited information on whether the students took up any of the places offered after they left the school
A number of university-focused students also applied and were offered admission to universities in the USA and UK, New Zealand and Korea, with a great deal of evidence indicating interest in these overseas opportunities is rising
There was a breadth of disciplines that students who elected to apply to university were admitted to, including the faculties of Science Engineering, Business, Arts, Health/Medicine, Economics, Law, Education, Communications, Design, Computer Science, Construction, Veterinary. Slowly, however, by ever-increasing numbers, the faculties in Science and Engineering are attracting more female students to their courses
RESULTS OF THE HSC 2024
Student achievement is in the top 2 bands with a mark of 80% or higher compared to the state average
*Represents a very small cohort
TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE
PLC Sydney had several students placed in the state rankings These are listed below:
Place Course
2nd Italian Extension
2nd Biology
3rd Italian Extension
4th Italian Continuers
5th Italian Continuers
6th Biology
9th Earth and Environmental Science
ATAR 99 OR MORE
The top ten students received the following ATARs:
^This ATAR estimate is between 99 9 - 99 95 The student’s ATAR is an estimate based on her Cambridge results, which were three A*
PREMIER ’ S ALL-ROUND ACHIEVERS
Sixteen (16) students were recognised on the All Rounders List (achieving more than 90% in all their courses, ie the highest band possible in at least 10 units).
RECORD OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT
The School had no students who were issued with a Record of School Achievement
SENIOR SECONDARY OUTCOMES
In 2024, 100% of the Year 12 cohort achieved the HSC (see the My School website).
There were no year 12 students undertaking vocational training or training in a trade.
THEME 3 - STAFFING
ACCREDITATION STATUS OF ALL TEACHING STAFF
WORKFORCE COMPOSITION
PLC Sydney has a male Principal
At our school, we embrace all faiths and backgrounds for all our staff and students. None of our staff members have identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, but we strongly encourage applications from First Nations teachers and other staff.
THEME 4 - ATTENDANCE
STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE
Whole School Attendance Rate: 94.7
94.7% % of students attended school on average each school day in 2024. This is consistent with our normal range of attendance. We did have a surge of requests from families who had extended family overseas to leave during school time. Dr Burgis and Mrs Watters wrote to all of these families to communicate the importance of school attendance
MANAGEMENT OF NON-ATTENDANCE
FOLLOWING UP ON UNEXPLAINED STUDENT ABSENCES
1 The following systems and procedures are in place to follow up on unexplained absences from school.
i When an absence has not been received by 11:00 am, an SMS Text Message is forwarded to the student’s parents notifying them of the absence and requesting that they immediately contact the College.
ii Where the absence remains unexplained, the matter is forwarded by the Student Attendance Secretary to the student’s Head of Year for investigation and follow up
iii. Where parents/guardians repeatedly fail to inform the College of absences, the Head of Year will contact them directly seeking an explanation and remind them of their obligation to report absence. All information in relation to unsatisfactory attendance is recorded in student files, and information with respect to attendance is provided in Pastoral/wellbeing reports
ANALYSING STUDENT ATTENDANCE DATA
2 The Student Attendance Secretary will monitor attendance records for trends in absences and for students with multiple or persistent absences, and these will be escalated to the Head of Positive Student Care and Engagement
UNSATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
3 Where parents repeatedly fail to inform the College of absences, they will be contacted directly seeking an explanation and to remind them of their obligation to report absences
4. Where there are persistent unsatisfactory absences, the Head of Student Care and Engagement and other stakeholders, where appropriate, will work with the student and her parents, where possible, to develop a plan which will aim to increase attendance and subsequently their educational outcomes Relevant stakeholders may be involved, which will include the following:
i. the College counsellor/psychologist,
ii the College nurse,
iii. allied health professionals.
5. If the student fails to achieve the outcomes of the plan, then the Principal will be notified and will consider any other strategies or will refer to the Student Discipline Policy.
THEME 5 - SCHOOL POLICIES
ENROLMENT POLICY
The policy is available on the College website here
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting Policy is available on the College website
ANTI BULLYING POLICY
The Anti Bullying Policy is available on the College website
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The Student Discipline is available on the College website.
COMPLAINTS POLICY
The Complaints policy is available on the College website
THEME 6 - STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION
PLC Sydney runs exit interviews and surveys for all leaving students. The 2024 exit survey data provides valuable insights into stakeholder satisfaction at PLC Sydney, particularly from the perspective of departing students Overall, the majority of students expressed strong satisfaction with their academic experience, co-curricular opportunities, and the support provided by teachers
Academic Satisfaction:
● Consistently high satisfaction across most subjects.
● English, Biology, and Drama recorded positive classroom climates above 95%
● Teachers are frequently praised for passion, dedication, fostering confidence, encouraging growth mindsets, and delivering constructive feedback
Co-Curricular Strengths:
● Extensive co-curricular offerings are highlighted as a significant strength
● Opportunities in sports, drama, service learning, and leadership are widely appreciated.
● Students cited these experiences as formative and inclusive
Areas for Improvement:
● Desire for a broader range of Stage 6 and accelerated courses beyond Mathematics.
● Need for enhanced mental health support
● Better support is requested for neurodiverse students
Summary:
● High overall satisfaction and appreciation for academic and co-curricular strengths.
● Identified opportunities for growth in subject diversity and developing student agency.
The feedback we get from parents is largely through the P & F, wherein the school’s executive attend and answer questions and take queries and concerns back to the teaching community In addition, parents are regularly invited to speak with the Principal, Head of the Junior School, Deputy Principal and the Head of Learning and Teaching about their experience.
The college experiences a relatively low level of staff turnover despite employing a large number of staff Informal feedback from both staff members and executive staff indicates that staff are generally satisfied in all areas of the college
SCHOOL WIDE INDIGENOUS HERITAGE REPORT
Palya! (Meaning “hello” in Pitjantjatjara, a Western Desert language spoken in Central Australia)
It is a joy and an honour to walk alongside the remarkable and resilient Aboriginal students here at PLC Sydney It feels like yesterday that we gathered in the MSR to welcome the new school year and
celebrate the diverse Indigenous communities represented by our students. The year has since flown by with a multitude of weekly "yarns" (conversations) and activities that deepen our understanding of the rich heritage and challenges that shape each precious "Djurumin gal"* here at PLC Sydney. There is much to celebrate
In March, one of our Year 11 students presented the Acknowledgement of Country at the Future Women in Leadership Summit, held at the Shangri-La. The event brought together female leaders across different industries, including international researchers, authors, and leading journalists, with approximately 300 people in attendance and another 2000 virtual participants
In May, our school community commemorated Reconciliation Week with a special assembly. Guest speaker Reverend Michael Duckett graciously shared his personal journey of reconciliation and sang his favourite hymn in his Indigenous language, which was a soul-stirring moment for everyone in attendance. Additionally, one of our Year 12 students spoke to Junior School students about the importance of Reconciliation during their assembly Some of our boarders joined Roseville College for a National Sorry Day Prayer Service led by Aboriginal Christian leader and Wakka Wakka woman, Brooke Prentis.
In Term 3, we celebrated NAIDOC Week, which coincided with the Paris Olympic Games We honoured Indigenous Australian champions while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through various activities, including lunchtime movie sessions about Cathy Freeman and yarning circles The most popular event was a lunchtime celebration with over 500 homemade mini dampers (“Johnny cakes”) prepared by staff, face painting led by students, and live music. The week culminated in a NAIDOC assembly featuring Mikayla Byrne as the guest speaker, who shared her inspiring story Students also read a special prayer written by Aboriginal artist Safina Stewart
Year 10 students were inspired after attending an Anika Foundation luncheon hosted by the AIEF, where Michelle Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, was the guest speaker Additionally, one of our Year 12 students received an Onstage nomination for her individual HSC Drama performance.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue the RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) revision process, led by Pastor/Uncle Ray Minniecon We look forward to another year of listening, learning, loving, and leading our school on a journey of reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
As Safina Stewart beautifully expressed in her prayer: “…we take our place to listen, learn and build understanding We walk together with honour, respect and celebration ”
*Djurumin gal is the name of the group of Aboriginal students who meet regularly at PLC Sydney
Daniella Benjamin, Coordinator of Indigenous Students
INITIATIVES ON RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY
RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY
The College has had a formal policy entitled “Respect for Others” for several years
This policy is widely printed and referred to in the daily life of the college and related, where possible, throughout the curriculum. Our Learning Virtues framework has now been embedded into our reporting process, requiring students to reflect upon the ways in which respect and responsibility play into their learning habits Both students and teachers respond to student-selected goals for respect and responsibility in these semesterly reports
Our College has a long tradition of student involvement in community service and service learning, and 2024 again saw extensive participation in fundraising and volunteer work for a range of charities and community services, and exchange programs with students from a range of cultural backgrounds At the heart of these activities is the College's aim to develop in our students a Christian worldview which respects the values, needs and dignity of all and encourages in our students an exploration of personal integrity, civic and Christian responsibility for those in need.
In addition, we have a Parent Charter at PLC Sydney that all parents sign in an acknowledgement of their responsibility to always treat members of the school community with respect Parents have overwhelmingly supported this, and it has been an important document to cohere our community
Junior School
In the Junior School, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility is paramount, and we achieve this through several proactive initiatives designed to empower our young learners
A key initiative is our Homeroom structure and Morning Connection allocation. Each class collaboratively develops rules and expectations. This process fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for creating a positive learning environment. Implementing regular classroom circle discussions ensures students can share feelings, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships based on understanding and empathy
In Homeroom classes and Personal Development and Health lessons, staff explicitly teach social-emotional learning. Dedicated lessons focus on recognising and managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions We actively encourage empathy among peers, creating a ripple effect of consideration and care
URSTRONG is a cornerstone program in this endeavour. URSTRONG is a proven, skills-based program. It teaches child-friendly concepts, strategies, and language to help children resolve conflicts and build and nurture healthy friendships. This whole-school approach is supported by research and fosters a shared language of friendship among students, teachers, and parents
The Junior School Class teachers and Technology and Innovative Learning Specialist promote an understanding of digital literacy skills and citizenship. The curriculum explicitly teaches students about online respect, responsible use of technology, and the impact of their digital footprint.
Junior School Assemblies focus on the College Values and Learning Virtues Merit Certificates are presented in Assembly, and students are publicly acknowledged and rewarded for demonstrating respectful and responsible behaviours, reinforcing positive actions
Year 6 students are elected for leadership positions within the Junior School. They serve the community and help teachers lead various activities, such as the Student Representative Council, Chess, Debating,
Music, Sport and Environment initiatives. We also provide younger students with opportunities to take on leadership roles (e.g., SRC Representatives, Library helpers, Class captains) to develop responsibility and model respectful behaviour
We actively promote responsibility through the Student Representative Council, and students are encouraged to bring suggestions and discuss initiatives in meetings The Junior School is responsive to student-led environmental projects and service learning initiatives. From maintaining our school garden to organising fundraising days and drives, these initiatives give students ownership over their environment and teach them the importance of contributing to the community.
Our partnership with Jericho Road, Presbyterian Social Services, reinforces the idea that being responsible involves caring for others and the world around us Across the year, students raised money for The Allowah Children’s Hospital, collected food and toiletries for those in need, and donated gifts for the Packed With Love Christmas Appeal.
Parent Partnership is a hallmark of PLC Sydney Junior School education Engaging parents as partners in reinforcing the values of respect and responsibility creates a consistent message between school and home Together, we encourage the girls to develop these important values as they grow and mature
THEME 7 - SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION 2024
