As we commence the final week of Summer Term, I thank all boys and staff for their efforts in what has been a busy and rewarding term. Highlights have included the Year 12 Ball; Year 12 boarders completing their 1003 kilometre journey along the Bibbulmun Track; and more than 50 boys participating in the World's Greatest Shave. The efforts of the Scotch boys and PLC girls in raising over $80,000 for the Leukemia Foundation were remarkable.
With the end of Summer Term marking the end of the first semester, it is time to stop, rest and reflect on the term just passed. I encourage all boys to consider the feedback provided from teachers at recent Parent/Teacher/Student interviews and the upcoming reports for Years 9 and 10 in order to set new goals for the coming semester. Conversations with your son about the past term that encourage him to identify opportunities and strategies that build on his experiences in Summer Term are essential.
I congratulate all boys in Year 9 for a wonderful first term in the Senior School. The boys have embraced the opportunities available to them and 'hit the ground running'. The Year 9 enrichment boys capped off a great term by placing second in the Da Vinci Decathlon across all schools in Perth.
Next week, all boys will receive an invitation to attend Camp Gallipoli. This is a voluntary, overnight event that has great significance during this centenary period of the First World War.
Camp Gallipoli will be an opportunity to learn more about the events that have shaped our society today and the qualities of the ANZAC spirit of loyalty, courage, mateship and pride. Qualities that the boys demonstrate as a College at PSA events and in their daily lives. The event will include Ray Martin interviewing four Victoria Cross recipients, performances from Matt and Jess from X Factor and a number of short films.
While the event is voluntary, if the last line of the Ode, "At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them" is to be more than a cliché read on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, events such as Camp Gallipoli and the City of Perth ANZAC Parade are integral in keeping their memory alive. I encourage boys to consider the invitation to attend and make themselves available on the evening of April 24.
I wish all families a restful and a refreshing break.
Dr Robert McEwan
Head of Senior School
