Governing Council Community Voice (October)

“Boarding passes, please!” as earlier this week, Governing Council was whisked away to Japan on the wings of the recent PLHS Senior Languages Trip. “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) to Year 11 students Sophie Lang and Evan Lukin for an inspiring presentation about their cultural immersion trip to Japan on behalf of the twenty-four participating students. The learning and insights shared by Sophie and Evan exemplified the value and importance of learning a language as a cultural bridge for shared humanity and understanding.

Like the Tokyo trains and Kyoto buses, next week’s whole school assembly promises to be packed. The event is scheduled to commence at 9am next Wednesday (October 30^th) inside the PLHS Gymnasium; come along to celebrate student success.

Have we landed? Quick, grab your luggage and head off to the next PLHS Open Night on Wednesday November 13^th (from 5-7pm). Students will guide their families and friends through the school and connect the places and teachers that are special to them for their learning. The barbecue will be sizzling, the baristas working the coffee machine and the school’s acclaimed Concert Band in full swing. This is a wonderful way to get to know your local high school.

What is better than having one therapy dog in your school? Two dogs! Good news since our last meeting from Sanctuary on Eyre’s Cate Harrison. Following the positives for student mental health outcomes and learning dispositions stemming from comfort dog Hope’s weekly school visits, Sanctuary on Eyre will introduce Odin to the program in 2025. So, look out for Hope and Odin as they pat and paw about the campus.

Thank you to those who provided feedback to the Governing Council about the proposed 2025 Materials and Services Charges. The Governing Council has now approved the Charge of $500 per 2025 full-time enrolled student (Years 7 to 12 inclusive). Additionally, the SA Government is providing a $200 cost-of-living rebate for each public-school enrolled student. Effectively this means that families will be left to pay $300 per student enrolled, with School Card support also available via application for eligible families.

Exciting news! A proposal to revive Port Lincoln High School’s Old Scholars’ Association has been moved and accepted. The re-established body will fall under the auspices and governance of the existing PLHS Governing Council, via a sub-committee structure and revenue line. Planning for an official launch and promotion will occur during Term 1, 2025 – we are delighted to announce that old scholar and current Chief Justice of South Australia, the Honourable Chris Kourakis, has agreed to be the Patron of the reformed association.

To finish, we offer our best wishes to all Year 12 students as final assessments and exams rapidly approach. Good luck for what can be a tense time for students and families.

A reminder that our Year 12 Award & Completion Ceremony will occur on Wednesday November 20^th in the Nautilus Theatre, seated from 6:45pm for a 7pm start. You are invited to share this special occasion.

~ Brian Gabb & the PLHS Governing Council