Lion's Roar Newsletter
Term 4 | Week 3 | 2023
The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory edition
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
The quality of the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory production, the strength evident in the performances, and the joy brought to the audience were on show in each of the performances I attended.
Although a small number carry the biggest load in a production such as this, a member of College Council sent an email with the following encouragement...
"It is truly refreshing to see the amazing talent pool the school carries within it from both the staff team and student body. I praise God for His gracious provisions ... and I am still in awe of the incredible zealousness of the PLCA students and staff. The wonderful production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was such a delight to watch, a real highlight of the trip."
A feature of any good Musical is the 'ear worm' songs that linger long after the curtain closes. One of the 'ear worm' refrains for me is from an interaction between Grandpa Joe and Charlie. "Charlie, you an' I, We make something out of nothing, Me an' you, Charlie, We see things that aren't there..."
The production itself was a demonstration of this - transforming the Art Deco Town Hall into a Chocolate Factory with clever set design and a very impressive array of lights and graphic imagery . The comparatively young cast rose to the challege to make something out of this experience, without the safety net of senior students to help them out. In doing so, they showed a unity and maturity of expression beyond their years. The something special of the production though was the working together of the staff with the girls not just in the final shows but in all the lead up to last weekend. Teachers across both the Junior and Senior school assisted in ways big and small to provide such a valuable learning experience for the girls.
Another something expressed by many in the audience was the delight and enjoyment of a shared experience of something wholesome and pleasant. The story itself showing the quality of person and strength of character prevailing in young Charlie as the folly and weak character of his fellow golden ticket holders became more apparent.nWe don't work with nothing. As educators we are privileged to work with young people, to encourage them to make something out of who they are and the uniqueness of each one. Day by day, lesson by lesson, experience by experience, in community encouraging our girls to lead lives of significance.
"So shines a good deed in a weary world." — Willy Wonka.
Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:2,3
Congratulations to ...
All involved in making Charlie & The Chocolate Factory such a successful event.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2023
A school musical truly is a wonderful thing.
It brings together students from across the year groups, working with dedicated creative staff, and puts all of the elements into one great big mixing room - just like the one you will see on the stage here in the Town Hall. And the results are wondrous! Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is simply magical, and that magic has infected our entire cast and crew. It is a world of Pure Imagination, where we see what it truly means to make something out of nothing and be transported into a place where joy and wonder bring rich rewards. It absolutely Must Be Believed to Be Seen!
A show like this could not happen without a dedicated cast, and this cast has been exceptional. This is the 3rd musical that I have had the privilege of being the Producer of for PLC Armidale, and each time we embark on a musical adventure I am so proud of the way our girls rise to the occasion and meet, and then exceed my expectations. Our cast this year is a little younger than our previous shows, and we have seen our Year 10 & 11 students take the lead, and they have shown maturity, grit and grace in their dedication to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Our Musical and Production Crew have given freely of their time, energy, and expertise, as well as their enthusiasm for the creative arts to these young performers, and for that I cannot thank them enough. These students are privileged to work with talented and dedicated staff in Drama, Music, Dance and the Visual Arts, but I also know that these teachers gain from working with our young people on these projects in so many ways. We also could not have done this without the support of our whole school community: students, parents, teachers, staff and executive. We appreciate all that so many have contributed to this undertaking.
The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) are alive and thriving at PLC Armidale, and last week you got to see just a small snippet of what this looks like. My unending thanks to our Head of CAPA, Jo Wysel, for being such an excellent co-conspirator once again on another musical journey. She is a talented director and a joy to work with, and we have been privileged to head up such a fantastic team for this production. Thanks to Sam Jacometti for being a wonderful musical director and rehearsal repetiteur, with many hours behind the piano to bring this musical to life. And many thanks to my husband, Mick Clynch, for not only his unfailing support of these time-consuming creative endeavours, but his very useful skills in set and prop construction!
The Town Hall stage was alive with the delights of Roald Dahl’s vivid story, and I can assure you that the View from Here is one that both amazed and astonished. We took you into the world of Wonka and his Chocolate Factory, the cheeky dancing Oompa Loompas, and the delightful Charlie Bucket. And we hope you all experienced the joy of what it is like to have a Golden Ticket!
Kate Clynch - Our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Producer and PLC Armidale Director of Studies
Our journey through Wonka's world was a sugar-coated rollercoaster of creativity, excitement, and sheer talent, brought to life by this group of remarkable young women.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has held a special place in my heart since my earliest memories. I lost myself in Roald Dahl’s rich fantasy and was absorbed by Gene Wilder’s Wonka. It has brought me immense joy to embark on this adventure, and craft a musical adaptation of this beloved tale with such amazing and talented ladies.
Charlie stands alone in a world where vainglory and fame have corrupted her peers. I love Charlie for her unwavering humility and genuine kindness. Her family and their shared moral compass give the narrative its North Star. David Greig retains Dahl’s central message that a person’s inner character drives the choices they make, and the fruit of those choices are what comes to define them. Charlie’s exploration of the Chocolate Factory becomes an invisible corridor we walk along as we witness the non-magical world of greed, selfishness, and addiction. As Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike TeeVee taste the fruit of their characters, we are left to savour Charlie’s wisdom and Grandpa Joe‘s youthful wonder.
This Musical has been our labour of love. This cast has brought enthusiasm, dedication, grit and grace throughout our 7-month rehearsal process. They have committed themselves, persevered despite the unknowns, and shared experiences that will last longer than an Everlasting Gobstopper. I am so proud of this cast and crew, what they have learned, and who they are becoming.
My Producer, Kate Clynch, thank you for your crazy ideas, organisation and faithfulness. You continue to help me believe in a world of (white) chocolate and Golden Tickets. Our amazing Musical Director, Samuel Jacometti, who has turned the score we loved into music that inspires us. Hugo Catterall has transformed our Town Hall space into a new theatrical experience through his fabulous lighting design and technical genius, thank you! Thank you to our Stage Manager Greg Cotterell, for your ever-present support and trips to Sydney collecting sets and costumes, and the fabulous Emma Schaeffer and Claire Robertson whose creativity in both set and prop design have brought to life my vision for the production. Margarita Perez, thank you for your expertise in creating our costumes: you’ve been busy, and they are amazing! and Constance Dunham whose meticulous guidance and genuine kindness in nurturing our girls' voices continues to shine.
Thank you to my fabulous husband Matthew who is my favourite barista, friend and groupie. Samuel, Annabella and Amélie who understand when I need to work on the weekends and know every line of this musical. I can’t wait to ride bikes with you again on Sundays
And finally, to the always inspiring Mrs Jan Patterson, I dedicate this production to you, my mentor and my friend. Your unwavering guidance and wisdom have often been the compass on my creative journey, much like Wonka's inventive genius that turned ordinary confections into extraordinary wonders. Your influence is a testament to the profound impact you've had on my path, infusing it with the enduring enchantment of Wonka's magical world.
Our audience put away their distractions and came with me into a world of pure imagination as we sculpted dreams that were richer than chocolate. There is no life I know that compares with pure imagination.
Jo Wysel - Our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory director and Head of Creative and Performing Arts
Our programs sold out!
We are reprinting, and they will be available for sale at the main administration front office at $10 each.
Junior School News
Junior School Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Mash-Up
This year's musical production incorporated students from both our Junior and Senior Schools. Four performances began with a dance mash-up by our Year 3-6 students, to the audience's delight.
CAPA News
Mrs Joanne Wysel
Head of Creative and Performing Arts.
Senior School Art in the Afternoon
Due to the musical - Art in the Afternoon is taking a break for term 4.
Dance Ensembles
Junior School Dance Ensemble commenced Week 3 with Pre-k - 2 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm and Years 3-6 from 4:30pm - 5:15pm.
No Senior School Dance Ensemble this term due to Charlie and ESJ and Guild Drama.
Drama Club
will reconvene in Term 1, 2024.
Another few CAPA events to put on your Calendar
String Soiree: Wednesday, week 6 in the AAC at PLC Armidale
Carols: Tuesday week 9 at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
Guild Drama: Thursday, week 9 in the DKC at PLC Armidale
A lucky group stepped into a world of whimsy and wonder on Saturday, to embark on a mysterious cocktail adventure: the Willy Wonka way!
The Wonka Wonderland Express, our exclusive mystery bus trip to the 2023 PLC Armidale Signature Event was a fabulous success.
With Violet Beauregarde cocktails and canapes inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Our guests sipped, savoured, and explored a realm of fantastical flavours that tickled their taste buds and ignited their imaginations.
Most also donned creative cocktail attire – channelling candy inventors and curious children exploring a world of wonder! Our best-dressed guest was Ray Khoury-Harb as chosen by our Oompah Loompahs.
Health News
Miss Amy Chiu
School Nurse
EDUMATE MEDICAL DETAILS
If your daughter has an updated treatment plan, new diagnosis or medical needs, it is important that parents update the Edumate Health Conditions of your daughter to ensure that the school is providing the best care.
Edumate Parent Portal can be access through the CONNECT page connect.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
If your daughter has regular medications to take during the excursion period, please provide the medication with instructions and clear labels with her name on the day of the excursion.
Please also complete the Authorisation Form hONE WEEK prior to the excursion to ensure that the information is prepared for the lead teacher of the excursion.
The Health Centre is contactable via
Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 6770 1741
SCAM alert
We have received notification from the Commonwealth Bank of a scam involving parents of schools banking with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and like financial institutions.
PLC Armidale’s protocol for any discussion about fees and fee payment is as follows:
Only the following staff from the College would contact families directly for fee payment and financial matters - Nonni Bunn (Accounts Manager), Rita Brissett (Group Accountant)
The fee schedule published annually specifies the school tuition fees payable.
The Finance team would not offer a substantial discount if fees were paid immediately. We would never ask for invoice details or credit card details over the phone to make such a payment. The College does not use BPoint for fee payments.
In the event of any fee overpayment, Nonni Bunn would contact the family by phone and follow up in email from a PLC Armidale email address to confirm.
P&F News
Judi Sheedy
P&F President
Thank you to everyone who helped run the bar at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the money is being counted and we will update on funds raised in the next issue of Lion's Roar.
Term 4 P&F AGM & General Meeting
The regular P&F General Meeting was pushed out a few weeks to accommodate the Musical.
There are a number of positions vacant on the P&F Committee, including President and Secretary. Attendees at the P&F meetings have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Becoming more hands-on with your involvement in the P&F and the school is a great way to be part of our wonderful PLCA community.
Below is an outline of the role of the P&F and the responsibilities of the various positions. Please contact me if you have any questions (pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or 0427 437 248)
Date: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Venue: PLC Boardroom or
Zoom: For those unable to join in person, please join us via zoom
https://plcarmidale.zoom.us/s/89159031702
Passcode: 919789
The role of Executive Positions - from PLC Armidale PandF constitution
ART 4 – THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
15. Powers of the Executive Committee
(a) Subject to the limitations described in clause 4, the Executive Committee shall control and
manage the affairs of the Association and subject to this Constitution has the power to perform
all such acts and do all such things as appear to the Executive Committee to be necessary or
desirable for the proper management of the affairs of the Association.
(b) The Executive Committee may establish sub-committees for any function or activity that the
Executive Committee considers would be in the best interests of the Association.
16. Composition and Membership of the Executive Committee
16.1 The Executive Committee shall comprise:
(a) the President;
(b) the Immediate Past President;
(c) the Treasurer;
(d) the Secretary;
(e) the Junior School Vice President;
(f) the Senior School Vice President;
(g) such other offices as the Executive Committee shall from time to time determine,
including but not limited to a Sponsorship Co-ordinator, a Canteen Co-ordinator
and a Boarding Parent Representative.
16.2 Any office of the Executive Committee may be held by two persons jointly.
16.3 An Executive Committee member may hold more than one office concurrently, except
that the offices of the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer shall not be held
concurrently with any other of those offices.
16.4 Each member of the Executive Committee shall, subject to this Constitution, hold office
until the end of the next annual general meeting following the date of the member’s
election, but is eligible for re-election provided they have not held the same office for
more than four contiguous years in the preceding six years.
16.5 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring in the membership of the Executive Committee,
the Executive Committee may appoint a member of the Association to fill the vacancy and
the member so appointed shall hold office, subject to this Constitution, until the end of the
next annual general meeting following the date of the member’s appointment.
17. Election of Executive Committee Members
17.1 Nominations of candidates for election as Executive Committee members of the
Association shall be made:
(a) in writing, signed by two members of the Association and accompanied by the written
consent of the candidate, delivered to the Secretary of the Association prior to the
date fixed for the annual general meeting; or
(b) from the floor of the annual general meeting with the consent of the candidate.
17.2 If the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled,
the persons nominated shall be deemed to be elected.
17.3 If the number of nominations received exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, a
ballot shall be held.
17.4 The ballot for election of Executive Committee members shall be conducted at the
annual general meeting in such usual and proper manner as the Executive Committee
may direct.
17.5 Any vacant positions remaining on the Executive Committee at the close of the annual
general meeting shall be deemed to be casual vacancies under clause 16.5.
17.6 A person nominated as a candidate for election as an Executive Committee member
must be a member of the Association.
18. Duties of the President
The duties of the President and, in the President’s absence or inability, the Vice President,
include:
(a) chairing and convening all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee;
PLC Armidale Parents & Friends Constitution Page 6 of 13
(b) approving the Minutes of each meeting, as prepared by the Secretary, prior to their
issuing;
(c) acting as the point of contact between the Association and the Principal, College Council,
staff, students and members of the Association;
(d) representing the Association at meetings of the PLC Armidale Foundation and Old Girls’
Union;
(e) liaising with the Principal and College Council on any matters that involve the Association and
providing feedback to the College on issues and comments received from parents;
(f) promoting the Association, its aims and activities to parents new to the College and
identifying ways to increase parent participation;
(g) providing written reports and articles for College newsletters and periodic and annual
publications;
(h) providing an annual written report to the Association at the annual general meeting. 19.
Duties of the Secretary
The duties of the Secretary include:
(a) keeping minutes of all meetings of the Association and of the Executive Committee; (b)
attending to correspondence and notices of the Association;
(c) presenting to the College Council a copy of the President’s Report and of the Financial
Statements adopted by the annual general meeting and the names of the Executive
Committee elected at such annual general meeting;
(d) presenting to College Council notices, agendas and minutes of all meetings of the
Executive Committee and of the Association; and
(e) performing the duties of the President and Vice President should the President and Vice
President be unable to attend a meeting or event.
20. Duties of the Treasurer
The duties of the Treasurer include:
(a) the safe custody and stewardship of the funds of the Association;
(b) receiving membership fees and donations;
(c) presenting to the Executive Committee such financial statements as are from time to
time required;
(d) keeping proper accounts and preparing any financial statement or report required to be
submitted to members under the Act.
21. Vacation of Office of Executive Committee Member
The office of an Executive Committee member becomes vacant if the Executive Committee
member:
(a) dies;
PLC Armidale Parents & Friends Constitution Page 7 of 13
(b) resigns his or her office by notice in writing to the Association;
(c) is removed by the members in general meeting; or
(d) would otherwise be prohibited from being a director of a corporation under the
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
22. Executive Committee Meetings and Quorum
22.1 The Executive Committee shall meet at least once each school term.
22.2 Members of the Association who are not members of the Executive Committee may
attend Executive Committee meetings, ask questions, provide comment and raise matters
for discussion, but may not vote on any motion put at the meeting.
22.3 At all meetings of the Executive Committee the quorum shall be three (3) members of the
Executive Committee.
22.4 Any Executive Committee member may attend a meeting by telephone or other
electronic means by which the member can hear and be heard.
22.5 Any matters to be decided at a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be decided by a
simple majority of votes cast by those members of the Executive Committee who are
present at the meeting in person or by means of communications technology. Each
Executive Committee member is entitled to one (1) vote on any question. The President
shall have a casting vote.
22.6 The Executive Committee may pass a resolution without an Executive Committee
meeting being held if all of the Executive Committee members sign a document
containing a statement that they are in favour of the resolution set out in the document.
Such circular resolution may be effected by electronic mail between members of the
Executive Committee or by using any other suitable form of technology.
23. Liaison with the College
To foster and maintain friendly relations between the Association and the College, the following
provisions shall apply:
(a) College Council shall from time to time nominate a member of the Council to act as Liaison
Councillor between the Council and the Association. The Secretary will give the Principal
and the Liaison Councillor notice of the date, agenda and minutes of all meetings of the
Association and the Executive Committee.
(b) The Principal and the Liaison Councillor are entitled to attend all meetings of the Association
and the Executive Committee and take part in discussions and deliberations but neither
shall be entitled to vote.
(c) Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the date of meetings of the Association and the
Executive Committee will not conflict with the date of the monthly meetings of the College
Council.
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
We enjoyed welcoming you back...
PLC Armidale hosted another OGU Reunion Weekend on October 27/28 to coincide with the College's biennial musical production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Our alumnae enjoyed drinks in the Rose Garden, a tour of our College and archive collection, a fabulous production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a mystery bus trip to Willy Wonkaesque cocktails and canapes on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
Want to get together with your class in 2024?
If you are interested in joining a milestone reunion group during the Reunion Weekend next year please get in touch with us at enquiries@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Send us your news!
We love to hear about what our alumnae have been doing - so please let us know what has been happening in your life.
Births, deaths, marriages, milestone celebrations - whatever you feel like sharing with the other Old Girls, please tell us so we can include it in this section of the Lion's Roar each fortnight.
Our PLC Armidale alumnae are a stellar group of women who excel in a diverse range of areas, leading lives of significance.
Success looks different for everyone, and we like to celebrate it all - not just that which is in the public eye.
Email your news to: communications@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PLC Armidale Foundation
Can you make a regular financial contribution to the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund?
In 2022, the College made a considered decision to restructure fees for students in Kindergarten to Stage 4 to expand accessibility to a PLC Armidale education.
The provision of scholarships on merit will extend the opportunity for even more young women of character and purpose to receive an outstanding education at PLC Armidale, the region’s pre-eminent school for young women.
The PLCA Foundation Committee is focusing its efforts on raising funds for scholarships, with the intent of raising $130,000 for the school to allocate immediately in the next round of scholarship assessment.
As many families within our community have directly benefited from the recent fee restructure, we ask that you consider making a contribution to support the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund.
Your gift will help the PLC Foundation Committee to offer these scholarships. We require significant and ongoing funding to ensure there is a continual capital base to support the program.
Donations will provide scholarships from as early as the 2024 school year. In addition, gifts over $2 are tax deductible. You can also subscribe to make a small regular automatic donation which will quickly add up over the years.
The generosity of the PLC Armidale community has enabled us to maintain and provide an excellent learning environment for generations of young women.
Giving makes a real difference to every student who attends PLC Armidale now and into the future. We thank you for your continued support as we foster and build a community that stands together.
If you would like further information about the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund or know of a young girl who you believe would benefit from this opportunity, don't hesitate to call us on (02) 6770 1700 or email us at enquiries@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
A gift to the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund will open the door for many more exceptional young women to attend PLC Armidale and be equipped to lead a life of significance.
You can make a difference by donating today.
General News
Beam E-Scooter Safety Trial Rules.
Armidale – E-Scooter Trial Safety
Trial rules and tips for e-scooter riders
You can only use e-scooters hired through Council’s chosen provider Beam on selected roads, shared paths, and bike paths in the trial area. Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or road related areas (including in trial areas).
The minimum age for use is 16 years old.
Shared e-scooters can only be ridden on designated shared paths and roads. It is illegal to ride e-scooters on footpaths.
Only one person is allowed to ride a shared e-scooter at any one time.
You are limited to riding at 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on the road.
On the designated shared paths, you must:
give way to pedestrians
keep left.
You must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding an e-scooter.
You must use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions.
E-scooter riders are also subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers. You cannot have illicit drugs present in your system or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
If you are caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply and you may face consequences for your driver’s licence. Find out more on e-scooter offences that may apply.
You do not need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter.
Always wear brightly coloured clothing so other road users can see you easily.
Please ride predictably and indicate clearly, so other people are aware of your intentions.
For further information visit https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/armidale-e-scooter-trial
Please leave the e-scooter in a place that does not impede other pedestrian access on the footpath.
