Governing Council End-of-Year Report

I took a little trip down Facebook memory lane yesterday to reflect on everything we’ve achieved this year at PLHS… and, five hours later, all I can say is: “holy guacamole — what a year!” The sheer amount of learning, growth and connection this year (and opportunities for 2026) is astounding.

To start, our multi-tiered educational offerings continue to shine. PLHS caters for such a wonderfully diverse student population, and the breadth of learning pathways on offer is something truly special. Roadshows, expos, immersion days, university and VET connections, work experience, guest speakers — our students have been exposed to so many options and possibilities. It’s no wonder we see academic excellence celebrated by so many students across such a wide range of subjects.

Then we have sport — and wow, what a year. From social fun to serious competition, our students represented the school with grit, heart, and good sportsmanship across countless sporting codes. Whether they were wearing their team colours, trying something new, or going for gold, they did us proud.

The Arts have had an enormous year too: music performances, drama productions, dance recitals, exhibitions, and workshops. So much creativity and talent on full display — and so many courageous young people stepping onto stages and into the spotlight.

A huge highlight has been the continued focus on Crew. This is only our second year, yet the data speaks volumes about the positive culture shift it’s creating within the school. This work places PLHS at the forefront of what modern, relational, student-centred learning looks like.

The Governing Council has also had a stellar year. We were incredibly fortunate to participate in the Maba Idi Galinyala Cultural Tour with Emmalene Richards — a powerful and moving experience for all involved. We relaunched our Old Scholars’ Association, reconnecting generations of PLHS alumni. We hosted several spotlight presentations, showcasing the depth and breadth of the speciality courses and programs that make our school so unique.

Scrolling reminded me just how much heart, effort, and excellence lives within this school community. Students, staff, leaders, families, volunteers — we all contribute to the PLHS story, and it is incredible.

We really do amazing work at our school — and we should all be so proud.

Here’s to a well-earned rest and an exciting year ahead for PLHS.

GOVERNING COUNCIL REPORT & AWARD – YEAR 12 PRESENTATION NIGHT (WED NOV 19):

Good evening everyone,

Tonight is a celebration of our Year 12 students — but I would like to take a moment to acknowledge another group who absolutely deserve applause — the parents and caregivers – the people who have walked beside these students from the very beginning.

Congratulations Parental Crew – you have survived 13 years of forms, lunchboxes, uniforms, excursions, assignments and a few “I forgot it’s due tomorrows”, and the rollercoaster that is adolescence… and you’re still smiling. Mostly.

Thank you for being there, the late-night pep talks, the “you’ve got this” messages, the lifts given, the friendship navigations, the tears soothed, and the endless encouragement offered along the way.

You have been the quiet backbone of this journey. Your belief in your young person has helped bring them to this milestone, standing tall, capable and ready for whatever comes next.

Tonight, as we applaud our graduates, we also honour you — for your patience, your support and your unwavering love.

Congratulations to you as well, you’ve officially graduated too.

And while I’m here recognising outstanding contributions, I have the pleasure of presenting the Governing Council Award for 2026.

This year’s recipient is someone who goes above and beyond for our school — and at the heart of everything he does are the students and staff.

He’s a bit like the quiet glue that holds all our communication pieces together. He manages our school’s media, from the newsletter to every social post, and he somehow manages to be at every activity, event and performance — camera in hand — capturing moments and keeping our community connected.

Nothing is ever too difficult. His favourite line seems to be, “Just leave it with me.”
And he means it.

He is efficient, articulate and endlessly creative. He thinks outside the square, makes things happen, like our relaunched Old Scholars’ Association — a huge achievement in itself.

He spends so much time shining a light on our school achievements, it’s only fitting that we shine a light on him tonight.

It is with great appreciation that this year’s Governing Council Award goes to Shaun Thomas.

~ Ms. Stephanie Hoy (PLHS Governing Council Chairperson)