Foundation Report

PLC Foundation Chair

Simply put, if it was not for big hearted, generous supporters, the PLC Foundation would not be able to continue to support PLC. Thank you to our donors for donating the funds that we need to make a difference in the lives of young people in the form of scholarships and bursaries, and to support our mission: “to serve as an independent manager and custodian for the provision of sustainable financial support to PLC over the long term”.

I would like to extend the Foundation’s gratitude to members of the PLC community who volunteer their time to the Foundation Board; James Mactier, Carlo Franchina, Mark Hector and Morgen Lewis.

This year, we also welcome new members to the Foundation Board and Investment Committee.

Paul Early has more than 28 years of experience in legal, banking and finance-related roles. He is currently a founding partner in Barrenjoey Capital which is an Australian owned and managed investment bank and has overall responsibility for its activities in the mining sector and for its Western Australian business. Paul holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from UWA and has three daughters studying at PLC.

Julia Lambo is Head of Corporate Communications at Navitas Ltd, a global education provider head quartered in Perth. Julia has nearly two decades’ experience managing internal and external communications to protect and enhance the reputation of complex, global organisations. In her role at Navitas, Julia manages the Navitas Education Trust, a philanthropic fund which has donated over $2 million to education-focused projects around the world. Julia has two daughters at PLC and a son at Scotch College. Scott Edwards has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and accounting. Scott joined Butler Settineri in 2016. Scott’s aim as a financial planner is to help clients achieve their retirement planning goals by protecting their assets during their working life and steadily build their wealth over time. Scott has three children; his daughter, Monet, is PLC’s 2021 Head Prefect.

Julia Schortinghuis is a Director of Lighthouse Capital and has been specialising in the finance industry since 1994. Julia sits on the Aquinas College Foundation Council and Chairs the PLC Foundaiton Investment Committee. She has recently been appointed as the inaugural Chair for the Curtin University Financial Planning Discipline Advisory Panel. Julia is a judge in the Telstra Business Women of the Year awards and hosts the community-based “Good Money Habits” podcast and is actively involved in a range of charitable causes. Julia has a daughter in Year 10 at PLC.

Thanks to our generous donors, the PLC Foundation is currently able to support 14 scholarship students. The Foundation also supports another two students on bursaries and to date 12 families have been supported with donations to the 2020 PLC Student Hardship Campaign, set up in response to the financial impact of COVID-19.

We welcome our new scholarship recipient, Brianna, who will commence at PLC in Year 7, 2022. Brianna currently attends St Paul’s Primary School in Mt Lawley and has won praise from her Principal there who writes: “Brianna is assiduous in her approach to learning and achieving. Brianna is a dedicated learner who always applies herself to the best of her ability. She works well in both independent and collaborative tasks, enjoying the opportunity to share and extend her thinking.

“Brianna has eagerly participated in St Paul’s ‘Ad Astra’ Enrichment Program. She is highly organised and is to be commended on the pride she takes in the presentation of her work. Brianna treats all with kindness and respect, making a concerted effort to ensure all are included and feel welcomed. She is to be commended on her efforts this semester and I wish her all the best in the future”.

Brianna participates in a variety of extra-curricular activities including netball, dancing, piano and swimming. She is a member of the Bayswater City Saints Netball Club and Sharon Biddle School of Dance. Brianna also learns the piano (Grade 2 AMEB) and participates in a mini swimming squad.

In addition to out-of-school activities, she is also in the school band, liturgical dance group, and choir. Brianna is faction sports captain and holds the title of Champion Girl for swimming, cross country and athletics and broken some records.

To be grateful, is to show appreciation for something done or received, but, for me, my gratitude for what you did goes beyond this definition.

I have embarked on my journey of Year 7 and I am halfway in the journey of Year 8, with the care and support of so many people in my life, and you, I have been able to enjoy these past years by participating in cocurricular activities at PLC.

This year, in sport I have taken part in IGSSA volleyball and netball. I have also been able to trial for soccer, and I was able to take part in the Inter-house Swimming and Athletics Carnival. Though it was a bit daunting, it was fun!

In light of my passion for drama, I auditioned for the musical Matilda Jr. and I successfully got in! I was so happy, since it will be the first musical, I have ever been in.

The most fun thing out of all my experiences at PLC is Arts Day! It grants me a whole day to thoroughly express myself; in creativity, music and drama. This day makes me so happy.

It is too hard to choose a favourite teacher or friend. Although I greatly thank Mrs Timms who showed me I have a talent and passion for maths I didn’t know I had.

I believe the group of girls I sit with at recess and lunch give me great support that I am forever thankful for. I could never thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to be a PLC girl.

Thank you! Year 8 Scholarship recipient