Welcome to the latest edition of the School Newsletter! It is an exciting time at the School as we work towards finalising our new Strategic Plan. While it is still early days, feedback from the extensive parent, student and staff consultation by Dr Liz Pattison suggests that three key themes are emerging from the data; namely a desire for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Pastoral Care and Service Learning, and Excellence in Community Partnerships. The next stage of the process will be to develop flagship programmes within each theme. This will be driven by School Council and the Executive Team over the coming months. At this stage it is hoped that a draft Strategic Plan will be made available to all staff for additional comments in September, with the final plan due to be published in November ready for implementation in 2020 and beyond.

We are also getting very excited for the official opening of St Gregory’s Chapel on Friday 26 July, coinciding with Peter Moyes Day. At the time of writing, the final touches are being completed to the inside of the Chapel, including installation of audio visual equipment, carpeting, along with the addition of Altar furnishings and final coats of paint. Recent visitors to the School would have noticed that striking coloured glass has been installed in the cross on the northern wall of the Chapel and landscaping works are well underway. It is likely that the School will have full access to St Gregory’s Chapel during the first week of the school holidays, with the Parish of Quinns-Butler to hold a soft opening on Sunday 21 July. Opportunities for parents to view and tour the new Chapel will be communicated to all families in due course.

ECU UniPrep

I am delighted to announce that the School has reached an agreement with Edith Cowan University to be a trial school for ECU UniPrep, one of only three schools invited to participate in the trial. ECU’s UniPrep Schools enhances students’ levels of preparation for university by increasing their levels of tertiary access and participation, and providing authentic and contextualised experiences of university in line with the federal Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). Through UniPrep Schools, eligible Year 11 and 12 students are offered an alternative pathway to university. The ECU UniPrep program will be delivered in-school by PMACS staff, with training and support from ECU academic staff. A Memorandum of Understanding has been finalised, establishing PMACS as an ECU Learning Partner, allowing our school and the University to work together to support students’ learning needs.

To be eligible to apply for this program, students must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders), and in Year 11 or 12. Students must be recommended by the Principal and meet the eligibility criteria outlined, including students with mental health concerns or students that will be the first in their family to attend University. Interested students must complete a Student Nomination Form signed by their Principal. In recommending students to participate in the program, the Principal confirms the student’s commitment to their studies and acknowledges that ECU UniPrep compliments, rather than replaces, students’ current WACE/ATAR commitments. At this stage we have 16 eligible students in Year 11 who will commence the program in Semester Two and I am genuinely excited by the opportunities this new partnership will provide for our students.

ASC Piano Competition

The ASC Piano Competition was held in the Allan Shaw Centre on Wednesday 19 June. Students from 10 of the 11 Western Australian ASC schools were in attendance, with a record number of entries received. A total of 17 students from Peter Moyes Anglican Community School participated in the competition, with four students making their way into the finals:

  •  Brooklyn Richard – Faith Category
  •  Roi Allardyce and Lily Gillett (Duet) - Respect Category
  •  Joscelyn Melendez – Excellence Category

I am delighted to report that Roi and Lily came second and Joscelyn came first in their respective categories. Joscelyn also placed second overall across the whole competition, an outstanding achievement. Mrs Barbara Godwin OAM, Chair of the Anglican Schools Commission Board, was on hand to present the winners with their awards, with several ASC School Principals also in attendance. I extend my sincere congratulations to all students who participated in this prestigious event.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the following PMACS staff members for their significant efforts in hosting the ASC Piano Competition. Firstly, I extend my sincere thanks to our Head of Music, Mr Justin Tonti, for his work in bringing the event together. Mr Tonti was ably supported by Mrs Bronwyn Booth, who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of such a large scale event. I also thank the Manager of the Allan Shaw Centre, Mr Andrew Frankish and his assistant, Mr Ji Deeg, who did an outstanding job in co-ordinating the lighting, sound and technical elements of the event. We look forward to hosting the ASC Piano Competition again in 2020.

In concluding, I trust you will enjoy reading the latest edition of the School Newsletter and I wish all staff, students and parents a safe, relaxing and enjoyable July school holiday period and I look forward to seeing everyone in Term Three, recharged and reinvigorated for an exciting term ahead.

Every Blessing.

Benjamin Lomas
PRINCIPAL