“One song can change a thought, which can change a person, who can change the world. So I want to change the world too…one song at a time.” Amy Frost - LJBC Collegian, 2012

Unique opportunities for our Collegians

The Parents' & Collegians' Auxiliary was able to facilitate a unique opportunity recently for our Collegians Amy Frost and Dr Rina Fu, who met with our Prime Minister Scott Morrison at an event in celebration of Women's Day.

Our #Collegians, Dr Rina Fu gifted her book My Mad Scientist Mummy to the PM and Amy Frost shared her love for music, with the Prime Minister.

We are looking forward to creating more supportive opportunities for our #Collegians!

Job Readiness Event - 30 March 2019

Feedback from the workshop held in October 2018:

“An excellent workshop with some fantastic presenters. As a HR Professional and Career Coach, very relevant content. I think the workshop is relevant for students and adults.”

Please book your seat here https://www.trybooking.com/BAWYX

The PCA Community Breakfast is almost here!

It is that time of year again! On 2 May 2019 the LJBC community will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, catered for by Basil’s Fine Foods. We also have a few surprises in store for you at this breakfast. Make sure to get your ticket.

Follow our story

To find out more about the initiatives and events of the PCA, interesting stories about our fabulous Collegians; and available job opportunities, follow the PCA Facebook Page https://www.facebook/PCAatLJBC/ and to be a part of the growing PCA community, join at https://www.facebook/groups/PCAmembergroup/

In conversation with Amy Frost, our inaugural winner of the PCA Outstanding Collegian Award:

In which field are you currently working?

Music Education. I have been teaching since 2009, first privately and then as a classroom music teacher. My studio was only piano lessons but as of this year, I’m teaching all ages as I teach Simply Music Rhapsody to 0-6 year olds, which leads in to Simply Music Piano.

How did you reach your decision to study your chosen field?

I was classically trained from 7 years of age, completing most of my AMEB exams. I did singing lessons from Year 8 and started singing all different genres and joined the Swing Band at LJBC and discovered how playing jazz was completely different to classical. I was considering a law degree, forensics degree, biomedical science and at this time, also auditioned at WAAPA (Western Australia Performing Arts Academy). It was through continual prayer that I decided to follow music, as I knew that I could study the others at any time, but I could lose my ability to play well if I didn’t continue practicing. So I went to WAAPA!

What is your favourite LJBC memory?

There are so many memories from LJBC, but my favourite ones all revolve around being in musicals or performing on stage. My absolute favourite is our Valedictory Assembly. My friend and I wrote a song for our graduating class and we performed that song for our class, and the whole school, at the Valedictory Assembly. I finished playing, looked over, and saw our whole year and the teachers giving us a standing ovation. We bowed with tears in our eyes and I remember feeling so proud of our year group and sad to be leaving.

If you could give advice to current students, what would that be?

Your life will be full of changes and turns - and it will all (honestly) be ok. It’s ok if the degree you choose now, isn’t the job you have later. It’s ok if you don’t get the grades you were working your bottom off for. No matter what happens though, even if you turn the wrong way, God can use every bad decision, every terrible moment, every nightmare situation and turn it around and use it for your good (and others). Just keep turning back to Him. He has dreams way beyond your imagining

Which project has been your most interesting and why?

Teaching students who struggle at school either socially or academically and seeing their lives turn around when I invest in them as their music teacher. It’s a joy to see how amazing music can be in people’s lives.

In 2018 you were the Inaugural PCA Outstanding Collegian Winner. Please tell us more about how you were able to apply the prize money and what difference it made?

The prize money went towards my gathering drum. This drum is a one-of-a-kind HUGE drum (about 1m in diameter) that is designed for playing with large groups of young kids. It can be kicked, sat on, sat IN, moved around and not break. It’s lightweight but durable and designed by Lynn Kleiner. It’s expensive but a necessity for my studio classes!

It means that I get to teach my 0-6 year olds following the Simply Music Rhapsody program and help them engage in brand new ways. I’ve been able to start my studio programs (without this prize money it would have been extremely difficult!)

Since winning the prize, have you been given further opportunities or support?

I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from LJBC, both the PCA Committee and Staff. I have presented a workshop for teachers, using the LJBC facilities and have further workshops lined up. This coming Monday I’ll be doing a school incursion with LJBC Pre-Kindy and showcasing this amazing drum I have bought! From sharing my posts on Facebook to checking in, I have been extremely supported by LJBC.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?

Educating people on the importance of music and having every person learn! We are designed to make and engage with music. It connects both sides of the brain together in a way that no other subject can. It helps with social skills, mathematical and language skills, differences and culture and so much more. It activates every single known part of our brain and our neurons respond to sound. We learn empathy through music and co-operation. Everyone’s life is greatly improved by learning music and learning to appreciate and discern music. It starts from when we are in the womb. I would love to see parents putting music as the top-most important subject their child will learn from birth (above even sport or dancing…sorry PE teachers!) as it’s the subject that underpins every other subject.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies?

I’m a mum so my hobby is watching my daughter grow! I love writing - songs, stories, sermons; I love to create through words! I also, strangely enough, love the Hebrew language and when I was at Vose found it absolutely fascinating. I still try to read every now and again in Hebrew.  

Please share your favourite quote.

One song can change a thought, which can change a person, who can change the world. So I want to change the world too…one song at a time. (Amy Frost, 2012)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Chaleen Botha

President of the Parents & Collegians Auxiliary