Our warm congratulations are extended to each member of the Class of 2008 on their outstanding achievements in both the VCE and IB. We were thrilled to learn of their fine VCE and IB results which stem from a wonderful team effort across a number of years. The focused hard work of each girl, the expertise, care and professionalism of her teachers, the encouragement of fellow students and the support of parents, have all contributed to this outstanding outcome.

Research suggests that a student’s academic achievements are enhanced by involvement in activities that complement her interests and talents. The girls in the Class of 2008, whilst remaining very focused and committed to their academic studies, have enthusiastically involved themselves in the wide range of school programs available at PLC.  School programs chosen for enjoyment, for personal development, leadership, study skills, community service, music and drama, sport and outdoor activities, have all been important in providing a balanced, effective environment within which each girl has set her own goals and aimed to do her best. We are very proud of the many achievements and contributions from the Class of 2008.

In 2008 7 girls achieved the maximum ENTER of 99.95 - an extraordinary achievement!  Three of these girls completed the VCE and the other four gained their IB Diploma.

However it was the depth of achievements of the 192 graduates of the Class of 2008 that excited students, families and staff alike.

• 21% of all students achieved an ENTER of 99+, placing them in the top 1% of the State
• 49% of all students were placed in the top 5% of the State
  
• 66% of all students were placed in the top 10% of the State
• 41% of IB students were placed in the top 1% of the State
• 81% of IB students were placed in the top 10% of the State
• 10 perfect VCE study scores of 50 across 7 subjects
  
• 79 perfect 7s in the IB (a remarkable 41% of all study scores) across 14 subjects
  

The 2008 McFarland Scholars were VCE students Ingrid Diep, Michelle Yii and Jessie Zhao, and IB students Andrea Contessotto, Elizabeth Reside, Rebecca Williams and Rachel Yam, all with an ENTER of 99.95

The Class of 2008 also enjoyed many successes across a wide range of endeavours during the year.  Under the leadership of School Captains Anna Morgan and Anna Washington and Social Work Captain Daniella Benjamin, one of their major achievements was leading the school in activities that raised an additional $18,000 to support Neno Girls’ School in Malawi, Africa as they seek to build a new dormitory for 64 boarders.

• The PLC aerobics team, Dynamite Plus, which included Nicole Tjakrawata, Alison Chong and Julie Chen won Gold at the Victorian and Australian “Schoolaerobics” Championships.
• 8 PLC students obtained a High Distinction in University Enhancement History
• Katherine Allnutt and Lara McDonald won Gold in the Division 1 Moguls at the Interschools Snowsports Championships.
• Michelle Yii was the top student in University Enhancement Accounting.
• Anna Morgan and Anna Washington were selected as Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars, The University of Melbourne.
• 3 students have been offered Accounting Cadetships: Erin Lane with KPMG and Michelle Choy and Shayna Cua, both with Ernst and Young
• 9 students achieved High Distinctions in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz 
• Melissa Murphy (Swimming Captain 2008) was the Gold Medalist at the Girls Sport Victoria Swim Finals in two events
• Briony Shaw finished first in the female Under 18 category in the Puffing Billy Great Train Race in May.
• Ariane Zhilmann received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

The amazing academic successes of the girls have ensured that they had the best chance of entry to their preferred course with 80% receiving first round offers to The University of Melbourne or Monash University. We are confident that this outcome, together with their wide-ranging experiences at PLC, will equip them to become outstanding citizens and leaders, and contributing members of society. We look forward to hearing of the future achievements and adventures of this wonderful group of young women, the PLC Class of 2008.

Elaine Collin
Principal
January 2009