PCACS News - No 8 - 2023

Week 6, Term 2

So much has happened since our last newsletter. We are now more than halfway through Term 2, with the long weekend at our doorstep. The long weekend is well placed for students and staff to catch their breath amidst this very academically focussed term. It will be particularly useful for our Seniors as they are in the midst of the exam period.

Reconciliation Week has been explored at PCACS this week through thoughtful Chapel Services at both Calista and Wellard as well as lots of activities across classrooms. The theme this year is Be a Voice for Generations, with a call to all of us to act in a way that encourages a more just, equitable and reconciled nation for all.  

This has also been a milestone week for Western Australia with Premier Mark McGowan stepping down from the role. We thank Mr McGowan for his strong leadership, especially through COVID. Congratulations to the Member for Kwinana, The Honourable Roger Cook, for his ascendency to the role of Premier. Mr Cook is an active and supportive local member and we wish him well as he takes over the leadership of our state.

Cross Country

Congratulations to our ACC Cross Country team who competed in the biggest ACC event yesterday. Teams from all independent and catholic schools take on the course around Perry Lakes. The day proved successful with the team in great spirits. The Junior School Cross Country was held last Friday. Thank you to Mrs Rhiannon Chapman and the Junior School staff for holding such as successful event. It was wonderful to see so many family members cheering the students on.

As we head into the long weekend, I hope we can all spend time with family and loved ones as we recognise WA Day.

Go well, everyone. 

Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL

Reconciliation Week

This week we celebrated Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Week is important for all young Australians to grow their understanding of the importance of our shared histories, cultures and achievements. Reconciliation Week reminds us to explore how we can all contribute towards achieving reconciliation in Australia.

During this week’s chapel services the students voiced what reconciliation means to them, sang in the Noongar language, and shared prayers about reconciliation. In addition to the chapel services, there were lessons across the classrooms that acknowledged Reconciliation Week to especially celebrate Aboriginal Australian culture and promote cultural exchange and understanding. Our students showed genuine respect and interest in the sentiment and learning behind Reconciliation Week. 

Our Wonderful Calista Campus

The Calista campus doors were opened to the community on Thursday 1 June for an Early Learning Information Evening. The prospective families visited us to discover the joy of Early Learning at PCACS. They heard about our strengths-based approach, strong pastoral care and the intention behind our learning programmes. Following the information presentation, the visitors were toured through the classrooms and our beautiful playgrounds to finish in a gathering around the campfire in nature play when an informal Q & A session was held. Our beautiful and purposeful Early Learning campus shone in the twilight of the evening!  

Cross Country

The Year 2 to 6 Cross Country was held on 26 May. I was impressed by the positive ‘can do’ attitude of our students who gave the long distance race their very best shot. As many students said to me, “It is not necessarily about being first over the line, but more about turning up and trying to beat my personal best.” Thank you to Mrs Chapman and Ms Janes for their excellent preparation of the students, both physically and also in mindset. 

I wish everyone a wonderful fortnight!

God bless!

Mrs Shirley Steel
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Year 10-12 Examinations

The ATAR Year 11 and 12 students commenced their Semester One examinations today. Year 10s will have their exams (depending on the pathway) in the afternoon Tuesday to Friday next week. Their classes apart from these times operate as per normal. Year 11 and 12 students only have to attend when they have a scheduled exam, however, the Loft will be available for private study throughout the day and all week. Year 11 and 12 students completing General and Certificate courses may also be required to attend if their teacher has requested for them to finish off aspects of their courses.

WISE Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship – Murdoch University

Selected Year 7 to 9 girls will attend a day-long seminar and workshop series hosted by Murdoch University next Thursday. The aim of the day is to immerse students in the technology and entrepreneurship career opportunities available after high school. Thank you to Mr Kim Flintoff for organising this fantastic opportunity.

Reconciliation Week

This week the theme of the Chapels has been ‘reconciliation’ both within the Christian faith and within Australia between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Reconciliation Week runs from 26 May (National Sorry Day) and 27 May (the successful 1967 Referendum) through to 3 June (the Mabo High Court decision in 1992 creating Native Title rights within Common law.

I talked to the students about the meaning of reconciliation. That it involves a positive two-way relationship built on trust and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-indigenous Australians, but also the widespread acceptance of our nation’s history and the agreement that the wrongs of the past will never be repeated.

Later this year there will another constitutional referendum. This time the Australian people will be asked to change the Constitution to incorporate an Indigenous Voice – an elected body representing Australia’s First Peoples that will allow them to have a voice on matters that will affect them.

I told the student to pay attention over the next 6 months as the campaigns of both the Yes and No supporters will put forward their arguments. I asked them to speak to their parents about this question – will it support ongoing reconciliation? I hope and pray that we are mature enough as a nation to have a civil debate. The Constitution is our foundational document – it supports our democracy, and it creates our political and legal system – I hope that in 2023, all Australians will approach their decision-making with good intent in their hearts regardless of their decision.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

God bless

Mr Steve Wynhorst
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL 

This week our talented Years 10 and 11 textiles students had the opportunity to dive into the captivating world of fashion illustration in a unique workshop, unleashing their creative potential with visiting Fashion Designer, Michelle Pike.

Under the guidance of the amazing Michelle Pike, our students crafted their very own unique queens, bringing their artistic visions to life on paper.  From elegant gowns to bold accessories, their creations were nothing short of spectacular.

The workshop was not only an opportunity to refine their illustration skills but also a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant fashion industry.  Through Michelle's expertise and insights, our students gained valuable knowledge about the art of fashion illustration and its role in the design process. 

The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable throughout the day, as students eagerly shared ideas and supported one another's creative endeavours. It was truly a collaborative and inspiring environment that fostered growth and learning.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Michelle Pike for her exceptional guidance and for igniting textiles students. 

Here's to the amazing learning experiences that allow us to explore new artistic horizons and nurture our creative spirits.  

Mrs Katie Frampton
TEACHER

#FashionIllustrationWorkshop #CreativeExpression #UnleashingTalent #pcacslife #PerthSchoolWorkshops #MichellePikeIllustration

The Year 8 Drama classes have been working hard throughout Term 2 to write, rehearse and perform their Children’s Theatre pieces. The Year 3 classes were lucky enough to come to the Moortang Mia Auditorium to watch a variety of entertaining plays, each with a message, ranging from ‘eating your vegetables’ to ‘being cyber safe.’ 

It is wonderful to see the connections between the Junior School and Senior School and to see the positive use of the new Moortang Mia Auditorium facilities.

Miss Danielle Jones
DRAMA TEACHER

On Monday 15 May and Wednesday 17 May, selected students from Years 4 and 6 took part in the Global Academic Challenge in English and Maths respectively.

Designed by the globally-renowned Australian Council for Education (ACER), the Global Academic Challenge is a unique academic competition for Australian students. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for each child to be empowered to see what they can achieve on the national and world stage. The challenges which last between 40 and 45 minutes are based on internationally-endorsed frameworks, so students may use their skills and knowledge in problem-solving contexts that move beyond the Australian curriculum.

Each student will receive a certificate and report recognising their achievement from ACER and for any top performers, a personalised medallion will be presented. We look forward to receiving the results in Term 3 and congratulating these students with their academic successes in one of our assemblies in Term 3.

Mrs Hollie Dunn
Learning Engagement Coordinator 

We are delighted to share an update on the exciting activities taking place in our Year 10 Foods class. Currently, our students are diving into the fascinating world of Cafe Culture, exploring the vibrant and influential food scene that has emerged in Australia. This unit of study has allowed our students to understand the impact of cafe culture on the culinary landscape and expand their knowledge of diverse food trends.

Cafe culture in Australia has flourished over the years, transforming the way we experience food and socialise. It is characterised by a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where people gather to enjoy specialty coffees, delectable treats, and innovative dishes. This cultural shift has introduced new flavours, cooking techniques, and presentation styles, influencing the broader food industry across the country.

As part of their assessment for this unit, our talented Year 10 Foods students were given the task of creating their own smoothie bowls—a popular and visually appealing trend in cafes today. This assessment allowed them to explore their creativity, apply their culinary skills, and experiment with different flavours and textures.

The students enthusiastically embraced the design process, meticulously selecting a variety of fresh fruits, toppings, and nutritious ingredients to create their unique smoothie bowl creations. The results were nothing short of impressive, with a colourful array of bowls bursting with flavour and artistic presentation. It was truly a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

Mrs Katie Frampton and Miss Vanessa Krollig
TEACHERS

Over the last few weeks, Senior School students from Years 7-12 have been competing in a variety of competitions in both Basketball and Netball.

The School Sport WA hosted a High Schools Netball Cup involving combined Years 7/8, Years 9/10 and Years 11/12 teams, additionally a 2-on-3 Basketball Competition which involved a Year 7 and Year 10 team.

There are many opportunities at PCACS for students to engage in Team Sports, including RKAS Competitions in a variety of Sports, our specialist Basketball Academy Programme and ACC events.

Our Interschool Cross Country Team this week performed exceptionally well at the ACC Cross Country ay Perry Lakes. Results and pics for this event will be posted next week.

Mr Chistopher Harry

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS COORDINATOR AND HPE TEACHER

On Friday 2 June, 3 teams of PCACS Netballers participated in a ball-friendly exhibition match against Centaurs Netball Club, based in Singapore. Their squad is comprised of students from all around the globe who attend International Schools in Singapore, coming from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa and the UK. They are currently in Perth to compete in a Netball Competition this weekend and requested to play PCACS in a warm-up friendly match.

The girls competed in 5 hard-fought periods of high-quality netball in U13, U14 and U16 games. Each game was extremely competitive and despite not keeping score, it was thrilling to watch the girls compete.

We’re looking forward to hosting the Centaurs again next year as we hope to build an ongoing relationship, with the potential of a Netball tour in Singapore in future years.

Mr Chistopher Harry
SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS COORDINATOR AND HPE TEACHER

As we head into examinations for Years 10 to 12 and end-of-semester assessments for Years 7 to 9, it is timely to remind parents and students that the School has access to the Study Skills Handbook.  This can be accessed using the following link:

www.studyskillshandbook.com.au

• Username: PCACS
• Password: studyskills

This week’s focus from Study Skills Handbook is ‘Habits of Highly Effective Students’.  Effective students are those who have learnt to study smarter rather than harder. Below is a list of the top habits that effective students do.

1. MAKE THE MOST OF CLASSTIME: You are going to be sitting in class anyway, so you may as well make the most of the experience! Time wasted in class is lost learning opportunities or time you need to make up at home. To make the most of classtime stay on task and be as involved as you can in the lesson.
2. ASK QUESTIONS OFTEN: Students who are effective will ask questions when they don’t understand something, they don’t wait until 3 weeks into the topic then say ‘I don’t understand any of this!’. So if you aren’t sure about something, then ask your teacher.
3. COMPLETE ALL HOMEWORK: Your teachers are giving you the homework for a reason, even if you are unsure what the reason might be! It is all part of building your learning in the subject. Focus on putting 100% effort into completing all homework to the best of your ability.
4. DO INDEPENDENT LEARNING: Students who do well academically do more than just the set homework. Rather than cramming just before an exam, they learn as they go. This means the nights they don’t have much homework they step up and take responsibility for their learning and ask themselves ‘what else could I be doing to help me understand and learn my subjects?’. Often this entails reviewing previous work that was difficult or preparing study notes in advance.
5. ARE FOCUSED WHEN WORKING: Students who are effective usually work in blocks of time at home, anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, but in that time they focus on the task at hand. This means they have removed all distractions and commit that when they are working on schoolwork, they are just working on schoolwork – no personal activities at the same time.
6. WORK SMART FOR ASSESSMENTS: Effective students spend time when they are given an assessment ensuring they understand the requirements and the marking criteria. They work to the guidelines of the assessment and approach the task systematically, making a plan and setting targets for when they want to complete each step.
7. NEVER CONFUSE ‘READING’ WITH ‘STUDYING’: Effective learners know how to study properly for a test. They know that just reading your notes over and over is not an effective way to learn. Instead, they read a section then test themselves on it, seeing what they can say out loud or write down. They also do lots of revision questions or past exam papers so they can practise the skills of the subject and identify areas of weakness.

The Year 11 students are actively engaging in the current COMPASS Programme. This term, they have embarked on an Advocacy project, which aims to empower them with the skills and knowledge to become effective advocates for causes they are passionate about.

To kickstart the project, the students had the privilege of hosting Tegan O'Raffety from Anglicare, who delivered a presentation on the various ways young individuals can make a difference through advocacy. Tegan's insights and experiences were motivating, providing our cohort with a wealth of ideas and motivation.

Following the presentation, our students were divided into tutor groups and given the opportunity to design their own advocacy passion projects. This aspect of the programme allows each student to choose a cause close to their heart and create a project that promotes awareness, drives change and makes a positive impact.

The students have eagerly embraced this task, pouring their creativity and passion into brainstorming and planning their projects. From raising awareness about youth homelessness and poverty to advocating for social justice, the range of ideas being discussed is truly impressive.

Over the coming weeks, our Year 11 students will be dedicating their time and effort to bring their advocacy projects to life. They will collaborate with their peers, conduct research and utilize various mediums to spread their messages far and wide. We are eagerly anticipating the final outcomes and cannot wait to see the fruits of their hard work at the end of Week 10.

Mrs Rebecca Weddikkara
DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE

The Premier’s Reading Challenge runs from Monday 8 May to Friday 8 September. It is a literacy engagement programme established in 2022 to: 

• encourage students to read more books and enjoy reading
• improve literacy levels.

Benefits of the challenge

The challenge will:

• raise the profile of reading and literacy in schools
• give students a focus for their reading
• encourage students to enjoy reading and read more books
• encourage students to participate by being challenged
• offer incentives and prizes for readers
• build self-esteem, pride, school unity and a sense of achievement among students
• increase the involvement of parents in their child’s reading
• increase the number of library books borrowed
• contribute to increased literacy levels.

Please click on the link below for more information: 

https://www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au/

Mrs Julie-Ann Holyman
LIBRARY TECHNICIAN - DIGITAL RESOURCES

A huge congratulations to those students and families who have registered their Weetbix Active Bands. During Week 5 the PCACS students amassed an amazing 816 activities in one week! If you are yet to activate your band I encourage you to do so. Lost bands can be replaced free of charge by visiting the Weetbix Active Bands website.

Congratulations to our activity leaders.

Don’t forget to wear your band to school on Tuesday, Friday and your PE day to earn active points!

Mrs Rhiannon Chapman
JUNIOR SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND COCURRICULAR COORDINATOR

The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to advise all staff, parents and guardians that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the 2023 Non-Government School Census collection (the Census). 

Click HERE for more information.

79 Year 9 students working in 25 project teams competed in this year’s Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge along with 2900 students from 18 countries.  The challenge asks young people to identify solutions to problems that help advance the targets for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Five teams from PCACS were eligible for adjudication by international judges

Bloom (SDG5 – Gender Equality) – Hayley Roach, Amy Smith

100% SOBER (SDG2 – Zero Hunger) – Lucinda Pepper, Avanthika Anish

Say Something (SDG5 – Gender Equality) –  Lucy Geis, Hannah-Mae Rowse, Olivia Shaw

AIRNAV (SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) Larna Sweetman, Belle Cardew, Ned Backhouse, Hamish Sullivan

School Goodies (SDG4 – Quality Education)  Sharon Kemboi, Izabelle Marasigan, Victoria Beaumont Cabrera, Durva Kadam

Teams 'AIRNAV' and School Goodies' were shortlisted in the global Top 20 Finalists and received certificates from the Jacobs Institute for Innovation and Education at the University of San Diego.  The full list of Winners and finalists is available on the JTIC website - https://www.pactful.org/jtic23...

Congratulations on this terrific recognition.

Mr Kim Flintoff
TIDES COORDINATOR

Revision & ATAR Exam Preparation Programme

FOR STUDENTS IN YEARS 7-12

• Subject Revision
• Essay Writing Tutorials
• Study Skills Tutorials
• ATAR Exam Preparation

Click HERE to access the July Revision Programme

Click HERE for additional information.