Reminder: The Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy took effect from the start of Term 1, 2020.

The policy requires all public schools to implement a ban on the use of mobile phones for all students from the time they arrive at school to the end of the school day. This extends to the use of smart watches which need to be on airplane mode during this period. The policy aims to reduce distractions in class and improve student engagement.

Under the policy:

• Students in Years 7 to 12 are allowed to have their phone in their possession, but must turn it off and keep it out of sight until the end of school.

Exceptions are allowed for students who have approval from the principal to use a phone to monitor health conditions, or where teachers give students permission to use mobile phones for a specific purpose.

If students need to contact their parents/carers, they can do so through the school’s administration. Likewise, if parents/carers need to get a message to their children, they should call the school.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

The 2022 Perth Modern School Annual Report is now available for your perusal on the school website. 

Please see the link below:

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS (Every day matters) 

The Department of Education’s guiding principle for attendance is that every day matters. Although most students attend school regularly, some students struggle to attend every day. Some reasons are legitimate. The following information is for parents whose child has ‘other’ (simple or complex) reasons for not attending school.

The Department recommends the following three approaches to improve attendance: 

Promote - Parents can use a strong rationale for attending school every day. Research shows positive correlations between attendance, engagement and accomplishment. Life skills, accumulated knowledge and positive relationships are clear benefits of a high attendance rate.

Prevent - Monitor attendance for patterns, and act early to find out underlying reasons why your child is not attending. Facilitate consistent sleep (8-9 hours) and healthy eating habits. 

Respond - Let the school know the reason why your child is going to be or has been absent from school as soon as possible. It is appreciated that you communicate by 9.00am so that your child is accounted for. Refer to the contact options below. A holiday during school term is classified as an unauthorised vacation. If you still choose to go, continue to communicate to seek possible support for the absent student. Cultural/religious/medical reasons are authorised.

To advise the school of absences, please email or SMS the Name of student, Advocacy and Reason for Absence.

1. Complete the Absence Note in the Parent Portal of Compass (our preference).  

2. Email the Student Services absent email:  perthmodern.absentees@education.wa.edu.au

3. SMS the Absentee number: 0409 109 784

When a student is absent, parents will receive an SMS attendance notification. Parents are to write an Absent Note in Compass or contact Student Services (details above).

We thank you for your assistance.  

Please see below for the Key Dates for 2023. Please note that these dates are subject to change and this document is regularly updated (see the School Website for the lastest version) 

Be Alert

Please remind your child to be alert of their surroundings when travelling to and from school.

It is advised that students travel in groups where possible and follow well lit paths if they are travelling home from after hours activities. 

Safe Crossing

Many students use public transport to and from school and are therefore required to cross busy roads around the school. 

Students are to cross where it is safe on marked footpaths and islands and only when the appropriate green signal is present at traffic light crossings.

The link below has some good tips: 

https://getonboard.transperth.wa.gov.au/Parents/Safety

We kindly ask parents to have a chat with their child about the importance of practicing good Public Transport Safety Etiquette. We've received feedback about some students not following these practices while traveling on the Mandurah Line, and a gentle reminder can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a safe and pleasant experience. Here are a few points to share:

• Encourage them to be mindful of those around them by keeping noise levels low and using respectful language.

• Remind them to offer their seat to an adult, as they are traveling on a concession card.

• Highlight the importance of avoiding doorways, so everyone can board and disembark smoothly—no rushing to be first!

• Suggest they keep school bags tucked safely out of pathways to prevent trips or blockages for fellow commuters.

Thank you for supporting us in helping students show care and consideration for others. Together, we can make public transport enjoyable for everyone!

You are invited to attend the Official Opening Night of the Arts & Technology Festival for 2023 - elements - on Wednesday, 17 May. 

Please feel welcome to bring along any other friends or family that may be interested. 

Year 10 Drama will be presenting 'My Entourage' as part of the festival. Two separate groups will perform on Wednesday, 17 May and Thursday, 18 May at 7.00pm. Parents will be notified of which night their child is performing in.

Tickets can be booked via: 

https://www.trybooking.com/CIFVB

Please view the student produced event posters below.

 

 

 

Register now to attend the Growing Up Gifted session on Wednesday, June 7 6.00pm-7.00pm. 

SAVE THE DATE!

Dance Showcase (A combined Dance Festival with Perth Modern School and Bob Hawke College)

Date: Thursday, 29 June 2023

Time: 6.00pm- 7.00pm

Venue: Cyril Tyler Auditorium

Cost: $10 Tickets

Tickets: Try Booking Link to be advertised soon.

We are very fortunate to be given the rights to screen Brenda Matthew's The Last Daughter at Perth Modern School during NAIDOC Week, 24 – 28 July.

Brenda’s Story

Brenda’s first memories were of growing up in a loving white foster family, before she was suddenly taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. 

Decades later, she feels disconnected from both halves of her life. But the traumas of her past do not lie quietly buried. So, she goes searching for the foster family with whom she had lost all contact. 

Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets, government lies, and the possibility for deeper connections to family and culture. The Last Daughter is a documentary about Brenda’s journey to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family.

Brenda’s Book

Brenda’s book The Last Daughter is also available from your local bookshop or

QBD Books:

https://rb.gy/n1hpw

Booktopia:

http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QyOO9Y

Amazon:

https://amzn.to/40KctLc

Brenda’s Visit

We are also very excited to announce Brenda will be visiting Perth Modern School on Friday, 4 August and Saturday, 5 August. On Saturday, 5 August will be having an additional screening of her film for our parents, students, and wider community. There will be more information about this closer to the date. It will be a matinee screening. Brenda will also be present and give an information session and a Q&A. Please put this date in your diaries. This is an event not to be missed.

Label All School Uniform Items

Parents are reminded about the importance of labelling your child's possessions including all uniform items so they can be returned to your child if collected by Lost Property. Unfortunately without a name on the item we cannot ensure your child's property is returned. Items held in Lost Property at Student Services are only held for one term and if unclaimed will be donated to the Second Hand Uniform Shop.

       

I have been reflecting on the numerous ‘benefits’ of staying on the road of ‘positivity’ and how having a positive mindset can immensely benefit you and the people around you. Have you ever been around people that see the worst and focus on what can go wrong and often say ‘its all too hard? That attitude can weigh on you and can make you critical of the world around you. That’s not to deny that life is hard and yes there are sometimes many obstacles to achieving your goals, but when you ‘choose’ to focus on the positive aspects of your situation and seek help, you are better able to handle every day stress in a more constructive way.

Optimism not only reduces stress, but it also promotes the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible to make us feel naturally good. And when we feel good, we are more positive and it allows our mind to remain in a motivated space to achieve and overcome obstacles we thought we couldn’t.

Last but not least is to be ‘purposeful’ about the people you spend your time with and talk to because their vibes and energy will affect yours. Be determined to surround yourself with as much positive vibes as possible and be that person that people want to be around.

Natalie Fergusson

School Chaplain

Should you wish for your child in Year 7, 8 or 9 to be considered for acceleration, please fill in the application form at the link below by Friday, 19 May 2023. 

https://forms.office.com/r/G1FGr4BK3r

If you require further information please email Associate Principal fiona.tholet@education.wa.edu.au 

YEAR 7 HASS / YEAR 8 HASS / YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY

The Competition will be delivered online using the Janison platform (same as NAPLAN). Students will have 35 minutes to answer multiple-choice and cloze questions, based on the content of the Geography content of Australian Curriculum. The questions test both geographical knowledge and skills.

 Participation in the competition will allow students:

• To practice geographical skills
• To receive printed certificates and results for their portfolios
• To compete for prizes awarded to the highest performing geography students in each state and combined territories in each Year level

Practice questions and answer papers can be found via:

Results do not contribute to course assessment and reporting.

All students in the above classes have been registered in the competition with their entry paid for by the HASS Faculty.  The competition (test) will be completed in class on the following dates: 

YEAR 7 HASS:  Monday, 15 May

YEAR 8 HASS:  Friday, 12 May

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY:  Thursday, 11 May

2024 Sphinx Scholarships Available 

The Sphinx Scholarship Fund is a great success story for the Perth Modernian Society. Having started in 2008 with a single donation from Modernian Jim Cundill (dec.), donations and good investment strategies have since swelled the fund to around $900,000 now. The scholarships and bursaries are one of Perth Mod’s special features.

General Criteria: Under the constitution of these awards, they are to be awarded to students, who, in the opinion of the selection panel, demonstrate outstanding talent in the nominated subject area as well as demonstrating how the scholarship would be used to assist achievement of academic excellence in the respective subject area.

The donors have specified that the money awarded is to provide enrichment in the subject area beyond that provided in the normal school program.

Applications for the following scholarships are open from Friday, 9 June until Friday, 1 September 2023.

The links for the applications are below (NOTE: will open on Friday, 9 June)

Academic: https://forms.office.com/r/1C2PfwMfQ9

Equity: https://forms.office.com/r/hMfF15gdzU

Arts and Technologies:

The Don Tyler IT and Computer Science Scholarship

Fortescue Metals Mechatronics Engineering Scholarship

Fortescue Metals Mechatronics Engineering Pilbara Field Visit Bursary

The Perth Modernian Society Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship

English:

The Jean and Jim Cundill Creative Writing Scholarship

Health and Physical Education:

The Perth Modernian Society Elite Physical Education Scholarship

The Perth Modernian Society Elite Physical Education Bursary

Humanities and Social Science:

The Ling and Chris Hayes Accounting Scholarship

The Malcolm Evans Debating Scholarship

The Hunt Family Politics and Law Scholarship

The Shirley Randall Social Science Scholarship

Languages:

Malcolm Evans Asian Languages Scholarship

Malcolm Evans European Languages Scholarship

Malcolm Evans Asian Languages Bursary

Mathematics:

The Perth Modernian Society Mathematics Scholarship

The Perth Modernian Society Mathematics Bursary

Music:

The Daniel Girling and John Down Music Scholarship

The John Christmass Choral Music Scholarship

The Cundill Violin Scholarship

The Don Tyler Musical Instrument Scholarship – Flute

The Wrightson Cello Scholarship

Science:

The Don Tyler Biological Science Scholarship

The Don Tyler Chemistry Scholarship

The Dr Philip Best Science Bursaries

The Don Tyler Physics Scholarship

The Jeanette McQueen Psychology Scholarship

Equity:

The Doss family Equity Scholarship

The Jim Leslie Equity Scholarship

The Malka Equity Scholarship

The Ross and Fran ledger Scholarship

Other:

The Don Tyler Innovations, Entrepreneur, and Independent Research Scholarship

Curtin University Rising Scholar Selected Tertiary Units - Year 10 Only 

This is a special extracurricular opportunity to study through Curtin University, at no cost to students.

Expressions of Interest open Tuesday, 16 May and close on 12 noon on Wednesday, 24 May. 

Please see Student Notices for the Form Link. 

Applications will be assessed by Associate Principal Fiona Tholet and Innovative Learning and Teaching Program Coordinator, Helen Lydon.

Please see the FAQ below for more information:

The Semester 1 Examination Timetable for Years 12, 11 and 10 is below. Students will receive their exam timetable in due course during their advocacy class.

• Year 12 students begin examinations on Monday, 15 May and will return on Wednesday, 31 May.
• Year 11 students begin examinations on Monday,22 May and will return on Tuesday, 6 June. (Monday, 5 June being a public holiday for WA Day).
• Year 10 students begin examinations on Monday, 29 May and will return on Monday, 12 June.

 P&C Friends of Music (FoM)

In the short term our Convenor will take on the interim FoM Treasurer’s position whilst the search continues for a FoM Treasurer.  If you can spare 2-3 hours per term to check the bank account, attend the term meeting and provide a summary of incoming and outgoing payments and make a few transfers we would be very grateful. A full role description is available. For further information please contact our convenor on fomconvenor@perthmodernpandc.com.au

Please save the dates:  There are three concerts in Term 3 – June 21, 22 and 23.

Please join us in person or dial in for the next FOM meeting on Monday, June 12 at 7.00pm in the Beasley Boardroom. The link will be available on our Facebook page and will also be emailed to subscribers. Join or subscribe via the following links:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110196195704833 and/or https://facebook.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=609dcdff8e482c9a3658b3331&id=70586ce4df  

P&C SecondvHand Uniform Shop (SHUS

The Second Hand Uniform Shop is located in the Andrews Building.  From Term 2,  the SHUS will be opening on the second Monday (8.30am to 12.30pm) and the fourth Friday (8.30am to 1.30pm) of the month during school term.

Our opening days are:

Term 2: 

• Friday, 26 May 8.30am to 1.30pm
• Monday, 12 June 8.30am to 12.30pm 
• Friday, 23 June 8.30am to 1.30pm 

The P & C SHUS volunteers are delighted to receive any good quality, clean and resaleable uniform items that are no longer required.  Please hand the items in at reception or directly at the SHUS at any of our opening days. 

P&C Next Meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 7.00pm in the McCusker Boardroom in the Beasley Building.  All parents and interested citizens are welcome.  The agenda and instructions to join online will be available on our Facebook page. If you are coming along in person, please come for an informal catch-up from 6.30pm. The formal meeting (and online) will start at 7.00pm. 

Contact Us

If you would like the P&C to discuss or address a particular issue, please email:

Jeet Ghosh – president@perthmodernpandc.com.au

Also, follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/perthmodernpandc

In Focus Careers News

Years 10-12 Students

Please download the attached In Focus Careers document that is full on information such as:

• Medicine application information
• Careers Expo
• University Events
• Year 12 Opportunities

View the full tuition timetable via the flyer below:

Master Classes are one hour sessions conducted once a week in term time. Each week they reteach, revise and reinforce the topics and areas of study that students are dealing with in their classes at school. July revision and exam preparation will be held on Monday, 3 to Friday, 7 July. Please see the flyer. below