Lion's Roar Newsletter
Term 4 | Week 9 | 2023
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
In Each year, Speech Day allows the indulgence of looking back and reflecting on what has been accomplished across the College.
In recent years, I have taken to providing a summary of student achievement.
This year, achievements were shared in each of the four pillars of the PLC Armidale Experience we are seeking to provide for all students, not just those with a natural strength or interest.
Academic Rigour & Endeavour, Creative & Performing Arts, Leadership & Challenge, Sport & Outdoor Education.
Individual names were not shared as we have endeavoured to recognise and congratulate individual achievement at Assembly, through the Lion’s Roar and social media.
However, if names had been added, it would have highlighted the range and diversity of individual accomplishment.
Not just a few stars shining brightly but a PLC Armidale constellation of student achievement...
... continue reading here
Academic Rigour & Endeavour
2023 Highlands Science and Engineering Challenge won for the second year in a row. 8 girls attended the 18th International Student Science conference at PLC Sydney. 4 selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum January 2024. 2 awarded Secondary Schools Encouragement Awards at the annual Young Scientist Finals in Sydney. 1 participated in the Curious Minds Winter Camp and selected to present on her chosen topic. Nominations received for HSC Showcase events for Callback, (1 nomination for Dance Composition). 2 Groups nominated for Onstage (Drama Performance). 2 individuals nominated for Onstage (Drama Performance). 1 nomination for Costume Design. 1 nomination for Encore (Music Performance) Whole school achievement in NAPLAN, ICAS , Maths Olympiad & personal learning goals.
Creative & Performing Arts
1 student attended the 2023 Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp. 17 portraits submitted to the Young Archies art competition. 9 student’s work selected for the Inspirations and Iterations Exhibition. 3 travelled to Melbourne to sing Benjamin Britten's Requiem performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. 4 attended the Regional Youth Orchestra in Sydney. 50% of the Armidale Eisteddfod finalists were PLCA girls, winning the Adjudicator's Choice award and being selected for the Gala Concert. 50% of the New England Championship Prizes awarded to PLCA students. 55 girls from PreKinder to Year 12 participated in the Armidale Dance Eisteddfod, placing first (or first and second) in each section. 1 student represented the region at the Shakespeare State Carnival placing second in the Music section with an original composition . 3 finalists in the UNESAP Let's Hang Competition. 1 student received the prestigious Director's Choice award. 1 student awarded Highly Commended in the K-2 Section. 6 Senior School students received their CVCA in the AMEB Speech & Drama Examinations, attaining A+ (distinction with honours) and 9 Junior School students sat their AMEB examinations with 3 achieving A+ . 1 Speech & Drama teacher awarded her licentiate (Congratulations Kylie Alcorn). 9 selected for the Gondwana National Choral School. 2 selected to play in the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra 1 awarded an AMus in Flute. 1 awarded an LMus in Piano. Many, many students in a very successful Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Musical.
Leadership & Challenge
2 newly incepted leadership positions; Junior School Creative Arts Captain & Junior School Sport Captain. 2 students in the Rotary Public speaking competition, 1 runner up. Year 7 successful first 'fun(d)raising ' experience for ‘Support the Girls’. 1 student won the Local Land Services competition in the Social Media Post category, 2 other entries awarded highly commended. Cattle Team success across regional shows, Sydney Royal & Brisbane EKKA. Cattle Team raised Schute Bell/Victor Chang Cardiac Research Charity Steer selling for $20,500 gaining Champion Speckle Park School Steer. All 18 head of cattle exhibited at Sydney Royal placed and received a ribbon. 2 girls representing the region in judging. 1 girl attended the 2023 Junior Heifer Camp in Adelaide after winning the 2022 Red Poll Youth camp Member award. 1 girl selected to attend the 2024 Junior Heifer Camp in Adelaide after winning the 2023 Red Poll Youth camp Member award. 1 girl won 16 years Young Judges class out of 150 students at Scone Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. 1 awarded ‘Overall Grand Champion Young Judge’ out of 300 students at Northern Schools Steer Competition. PLC Armidale Cattle Team placed second out of 30 schools for Best Maintained team at Northern schools Steer Competition.
Sport & Outdoor Education
2 competed in the Regional Zone Athletics Carnival placing 1st or 2nd in events entered, both attaining personal best times . 1 placing at high levels in multiple equestrian disciplines across multiple competitions. 2 enjoyed great success at the Australian Stock Horse Championships. 1 awarded Supreme Champion Stock Rider at the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association's annual Rodeo. 13 selected to take part in the ADNA Netball development and representative squads. 8 students at the IGSA Swimming Championships. 6 represented PLC Armidale at the IGSA Cross Country Championships. 1 competed at CIS Cross Country. 1 selected for the CIS NSW Girls U18 Team at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships. 4 selected in the U15s Hockey New England Representative Teams. 1 represented Hockey New England at the U13s Hockey State Championships. Junior IGSA Hockey Team were undefeated, winning the Grand Final. 4 represented Armidale Gymnastics Club at State Championships, each awarded a silver and bronze medal for respective divisions. 2 competed in the U14s NSW Tennis Teams Event finishing 9th overall. 1 runner up at the U14s Girls Tennis Singles Regional Match Series. 1 crowned NSW U16 Champion at the NSW Champion of Champions Tennis Event. 11 represented PLC Armidale at the IGSA Athletics Championships. 2 competed in the CIS Athletics Carnival. 2 selected for the NSW Waratah Under 14’s Academy Squad 3 selected for the NIAS talent pathways program 1 a recipient of the 2023 NIAS Coach Award 1 selected to compete in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships, placing second in the 14yrs 400m. Same student selected for Australian All Schools Championships, 15yrs 400m running a personal best time of 1:00.25. 1 won the National Billy Boiling Championship!
A comprehensive, but not exhaustive list with many achievements reflecting personal best not captured. This was certainly the case for our Stage 5 girls who took part in the inaugural Explore Serve Journey (ESJ) program this year. Marking a key transition point in adolescent growth and development, some achievements were visible, others less so. An aspirational program with growth in confidence but more importantly growth in character the goal. Finding meanin in life, a sense of, purpose and fulfilment part of the journey of transformation through quest and adventure. A key lesson learned by many, that being kind and serving others is not at odds with being a strong young woman seeking to lead a life of significance.
We haven't arrived as a school, there is much more to be done and always areas of focused improvement. As the 2023 Academic Year draws to a close ,I am thankful for the culture of learning, the culture of care, knowledge and nurture of individual students in partnership with families which continues to be strengthened from one year to the next.
We look forward with excitement and anticipation to what 2024 will bring for PLC Armidale and its community. May the love, hope, joy and peace of the first Christmas be your experience this Christmas and New Year also.
Congratulations Hamlin our 2023 Guild Winner
Hamlin will now be engraved on the Perpetual Shield as the overall winning guild for 2023.
Our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Cathedral ...
... is a sublime conclusion to more than two weeks of activity and service in the community by our girls. This annual end to our year brings the joy of Christmas into our hearts, and we thank the wonderful staff who coordinated this inspiring program.
See the photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Activities Week
We end each school year with more than two weeks of pastoral care activity and service in the community by our girls.
Our Year 10 girls lead all our students from Year 3-9 in lifesaving activities, our choirs perform at community events and in aged care homes, our girls visit disability services and aged care homes to help with whatever is needed, and students prepare supply boxes and goods for those in need.
And our girls also enjoy festive events, discos and Year Group Christmas parties with their peers.
See the photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Guild Drama 2023
For the last 44 years on the last day of Term 4 we hold one of our most exciting and entertaining Whole School events - Guild Drama.
The Dorothy Knox Centre was crammed with the PLC Armidale community to watch our four Guilds battle it out for the Guild Drama Cup - and it was spectaculr to watch.
This entrely student led production is amazing and involves girls from kindergarten through to Year 11 - with a large cohort of our freshly graduated Year 12's also coming along to barrack for their Guild !!
Every year, an inspirational quote is pulled from a hat and this year, in homage to the author who inspired our 2023 musical 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'Road Dahl who said "“Having power is not nearly as important as what you choose to do with it.”
Each Guild created an entertaining drama using this quote as inspiration - the line also had to be used somewhere in the script. The scripts, choreography, costumes and music for each production was developed and performed entirely by the Guild members .
The hot day ensured our P&F was kept busy providing cold drinks, ice-blocks and snacks during intervals, while a delicious afternoon tea in the garden was provided by our parent community as we awaited the judges decision.
And the winner of the 2023 Guild Drama was ..................WILKIE!
Congratulations Wilkie - your comedy sketch outlining what happens when Steve Irwin runs Australia for Scomo while he holidays in Hawaii for the weekend was award-winning stuff and deftly illustrated the importance of how you use power.
Congratulations to all the Guilds - every production was wonderful.
The Judges 2023 Guild Drama Awards went to:
Best Music - Dixon
Best Dance - Wilkie
Best Acting - Hamlin
Best Costumes - Lovell
AWARDS FOR CONTRIBUTION TO GUILD DRAMA
DIXON :
SENIOR SCHOOL - Tiko Lay and Zoe Webb (joint winners)
JUNIOR SCHOOL - Emma Birnie
WILKIE:
SENIOR SCHOOL - Daisy Donaldson and Poppy-Grace Newton (joint winners)
JUNIOR SCHOOL - Bella Wysel
LOVELL:
SENIOR SCHOOL - Navita Maher and Charlotte Coventry. (joint winners)
JUNIOR SCHOOL - Ava Greatrex
HAMLIN:
SENIOR SCHOOL - Mary Lin and Emily Blake (joint winners)
JUNIOR SCHOOL - Evie Donaldson
See the photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Junior School News
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
2024 Junior School Prefecture
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Junior School Leaders for 2024.
As Mrs Taylor, myself and Junior School Staff listened to the Year 5 students present their Leadership speeches and within, the qualities that constitute a good leader, we were filled with pride. The girls, despite their nerves, relayed their key messages confidently, with thought and consideration as to what characterises a good leader.
It was impressive to see the girls articulate leadership in the context of serving, contributing and adding to the experience of others. They sought to apply in a very natural way their understanding of the core values of the College and the importance of these values in shaping the character of a leader.
Two new leadership positions, Creative Arts prefect and Sport prefect, have been appointed in the Junior School to reflect the structure of the Senior School prefecture. This whole school approach provides mentoring opportunities to assist the development of future leaders, younger students following the lead and example set by their older peers.
2024 Junior School Leaders
Junior Head Prefect: Georgina Arundale-Fuller
Junior Deputy Head Prefect: Lucie Stephen
Creative Arts Prefect: Annabella Wysel
Sports Prefect: Evie Donaldson
2024 Guild Captains
Dixon: Sophia Craig
Hamlin: Georgiana Ballard
Lovell: Prodipta Shil
Wilkie: Mary Notley
2023 Guild Team Leaders
Dixon: Emily Christian and Thara Dhinakaran
Hamlin: Rose Hopkinson
Lovell: Vicky Xu
Wilkie: Pippa Notley and Maria Ugwumba
"Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example".
All students who stood for leadership positions are to be commended. Throughout the year, opportunities will be provided to all Year Six students to lead and serve the Junior School during Pastoral Care Sessions, Guild Gatherings, Action Group Activities or through Sport Equipment Coordination, Playground Patron Duty, Christian Leadership and Prayer, and through their day to day Interactions with peers, staff and the broader community.
A special Whole School Leadership Induction Assembly will be held in the Astra Arts Centre early in Term 1, 2024, at a date to be advised, to induct our Year 6 prefecture and the Student Representative Council (SRC) members in Pre-K - Year 5.
Year 6 Graduation Dinner
Senior School News
Mr Mitchell Clendinning
Head of Senior School
The end of Term 4 has been a fitting celebration of student engagement with the academic, co-co-curricular, pastoral, spiritual and cultural life of the College.
A defining feature of the PLC Armidale experience is involvement - whether that is Life Saving, Social Service, Celebration Dinners, Carols or Guild Drama.
Academic endeavour was also acknowledged in our annual Speech Day, which also exemplified the diverse range of passions and interests that drive the students and develop them into well-rounded individuals. Kindness and collective effort typified the cross year-group experiences - whether writing a Guild script or choreographing a spectacular stage dance.
I'd like to thank all of the staff in the Senior School for their efforts this year as they have sought to provide opportunities for all students in their care.
I trust you will have a time to refresh over the coming weeks.
Speech Day
On Wednesday, December 6, our Senior School community gathered in the Dorothy Knox Centre (DKC) for Speech Day - a celebration of our girls' academic achievement in 2023.
Those gathered were entertained by our Junior and Senior choirs who came together to sing 'What a Wonderful World', our Bel Canto Choir who sang 'Send in the Clowns', and our PLCA Jazz Band who performed a toe tapping number before graduation certificates were handed out to each student and the announcement of our special prize recipients for 2023.
Our guest speaker was our beloved Speech and Drama teacher, Mrs Jan Patterson, and she gave a moving speech reviewing her varied and adventurous career, which includes a 44-year association with the College. She encouraged our girls to find the joy and satisfaction to be had from spontaneity, curiosity, and seizing each opportunity as it arose.
Caitlin Kable, our 2024 Head Prefect (and one of Patterson's past proteges), fought back tears as she responded and thanked Mrs Patterson for all she had done for the girls during that time.
In her parting address, our 2023 Head Prefect, Chiyo Brown, spoke about what makes a PLC Armidale girl, and she closed by suggesting our girls continue to "be no one but yourself because our individuality and unity in our support for one another will be what takes us to whatever we set our sights to and at PLC Armidale those sights are set to the stars".
See the Photos and Prize Recipients in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Our Lions Club Youth of the Year entrant
Last month, Caitlin Kable competed in the second stage of the Armidale district annual Youth of the Year competition. She submitted a comprehensive CV and was interviewed by a panel of judges on Saturday. Caitlin delivered two impromptu speeches and a well researched prepared speech on the current rural health crisis. She performed very strongly and was well received by the audience.
Caitlin represented PLC Armidale and her family well and is congratulated for her great effort.
Ag student success
Two of our 9/10 Ag students have been successful in the LLS Farm Biosecurity Competition.
Isabella Every was awarded First Place in the Social Media Post category winning herself a DJI drone!
Entries from Elsie Wake and Poppy McLaren were both awarded highly commended prizes.
PLC Armidale was given a resource package on behalf of Northern Tablelands Local Land Services.
Brianna Carney from the Northern Tablelands LLS team presented the girls with their prizes during the last week of term.
Boarding Life
Boarding is action-packed!
Just like you, our boarders have been extra busy in the lead-up to the end of term 4. So many of our girls received awards at the sports dinner, and a big congratulations goes to: Evie Matthews for getting the Year 7 Rookie Award and Poppy McLaren for getting the Swimming Award
Last weekend we had our Boarders Christmas Dress Up dinner, where great creativity and commitment to the event was shown. Some highlights were Steph and Emily Blake, who dressed up as a Christmas Tree and Present, Chloe Younghusband, who had her hair elevated with a paper cup; Victoria wrapped in Christmas paper; Evelyn Liu dressed as a lamb; and many others covered in baubles, lights and tinsel.
The following weekend was our first Mexican Sunday with some tasty nachos for dinner and where the vibes really were cool.
And amongst the (dis)organisation of packing up for the year, the girls managed to fit in a Christmas Door Decorating Competition. Special should out to Dorm 4 and Dorm 3, who won their sections.
The Jacometti’s would like to say a big thank you to the Boarding Community for being so welcoming during these final weeks of term. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Boarding House program and working with the staff to finish the year off. Have a lovely and safe Christmas, and we will see you in 2024.
Boarders Christmas Dinner
Our Boarder families enjoyed a festive meal together on Wednesday, December 6.
The Dining Hall was filled with new friends and old as everyone came together to celebrate the joy of Christmas and farewell each other before the end-of-year holidays begin.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on Monday, January 29, for our Whole School Welcome Barbecue before school starts on Tuesday, January 30.
See the Photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Music News
Festive Feelings
The PLC Treble Makers were invited to sing at the Weemala Christmas Pottery Shop opening ceremony on Saturday, December 2.
Weemala Pottery is owned and run by Rick Hatch, who has a long standing association with PLC Armidale, having taught pottery in the Junior School for many years. The Treble Makers have been singing at the opening of his Christmas Pottery Shop every year for well over 10 years now and we were delighted to be invited again. The girls sang beautifully and presented a program of five Christmas songs and carols including the popular Jingle Bell Rock, O Christmas Tree, Silent Night, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and Treble Makers version of Rudolph the Red Rosed Reindeer. The girls had a wonderful time and we are already looking forward to the next one!
Carols in the Cathedral
Congratulations and thank you PLC Armidale Senior Choir and Bel Canto on your exceptional contribution to the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The energy and expertise of the ensemble was exceptional, invigorated by the highly appreciated contribution of staff, alumni and the Offcuts Mens Choir who joined us.
Congratulations to our soloists Arlie Bragg, Emily Blake, India Smith, Scarlett Loxley, Maddison Elbourne, Alannah Williams, Bella Waters and Khushi Aila for your exceptional work. Thank you especially to organist Warwick Dunham and to Reverend Chris Brennan for allowing PLC to use St Peter's Anglican Cathedral for the service. Congratulations also to our readers. What a superb evening.
Regional Youth Orchestra
Congratulations to Bridie O'Neill and India Smith for being selected and playing in the Regional Youth Orchestras recent intensive week of rehearsals and performances in Sydney and Wollongong in Week 7. The Regional Youth Orchestra is NSW’s flagship Youth Orchestra.
Mr Matthew Minter - PLC Armidale Director of Music
SPORT News
Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Head of Sport
Congratulations to
Mary Ugwamba (Netball) and and Elsie and Macey Wake ( Hockey)
who have been selected by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport for its talent pathway program for 2024.
Stephanie Blake
who joined more than 1200 athletes representing the eight States/Territories in Perth to compete at the 2023 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships. Steph battled it out on the track in the Under 15's 400m after placing second at the NSW All Schools Carnival U14s 400m athletics event in October.
Celebration of Sport
Hockeyroo and Olympian Renee Taylor spoke to our girls about resilience, perseverance and being the best 'you' you can be at our annual Senior School Celebration of Sport at the Armidale Golf Club.
Ms Taylor brought her Aunt (and PLCA alumna) Debbie Wark along to the evening, which started with a set by our PLC Armidale Jazz Band and ended with a whip-cracking display by our 2024 Sports Captain - Georgia Whibley!
Participation in sports is not compulsory at our College - but our girls' participation rate is well above the national average. The range of sports enjoyed and sportsmanship displayed by our girls is commendable, and the camaraderie and genuine joy shared with the award winners during the evening was a testament to that.
Congratulations to all recipients and to our Head of Sport, Mrs Lucy Donaldson, and Mr Andrew Patrick, for all they have done for our girls this year.
See the Photos and Award Winners in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE
Throughout 2023, our sports community has flourished, embracing numerous opportunities and celebrating successes. The positive identity of sport at PLC has been shaped by the enthusiasm, dedication, commitment, and resilience of our girls. Whether on the field or off, the sportsmanship displayed by our girls authentically reflects the PLC sporting culture. The inherent qualities of our girls, including their leadership, mentorship, eagerness to seize opportunities, and unwavering commitment to giving their best, have contributed to the multitude of achievements witnessed this year.
The importance of sports for young people cannot be overstated. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, engaging in sports cultivates essential life skills. It teaches discipline, resilience, and the ability to navigate both success and setbacks. Sport at PLC fosters teamwork, leadership, and effective communication, skills that are invaluable in various aspects of life. We have seen first hand camaraderie built on the field or court providing the girls with a strong sense of belonging.
This year we continue to see strong participation of our girls in sport across the college. It isn’t unusual to have a knock at the sports office door with girls asking if they can enter a team into yet, another sport.
According to the most recent data, it's estimated that a staggering 73 percent of young people aged 13–17 aren't getting enough physical activity. These statistics are eye-opening, emphasising the need for us to take every possible measure to boost participation levels, or in our context, ensure our levels remain robust.
I'm incredibly proud that our girls are not just active but actively seeking to be so. The mentality of 'sitting still is boring' is undeniably a PLC characteristic!
This year we have had students competing in more than 16 sports which provides the opportunity for students to try many sports and develop passions in many fields.
There were many achievements in PLC Armidale sport this year and we would like to make special mention of the following tremendous achievements (some of which have only happened very recently and thus missed the cut off for this years awards - but of course can be included next year)
Two of our Year 7 girls, Evie Matthews and Issy Macrae selected in the NSW Waratah U14’s Academy Squad
Charlotte Thomas was selected to represent NSW in the U16s Australian Indigenous Schoolgirls netball carnival against other Australian states/territories.
IGSA Athletics achievements: Molly Chard reached the finals in 100m and 200m; Steph Blake secured 2nd place overall in 400m; Mary Ugwumba took fourth in discus, both Steph and Mary advanced into the Combined Independent Schools carnival.
Trista Dorrian excelled in tennis as PLC's 2nd ranked player, becoming North West District Champion and reaching quarterfinals at U14s NSW Champions of Champions event.
Bridie O’Neill received the NIAS Netball Coaches award for her NIAS netball involvement this year.
Mary Ugwumba (netball), Macey Wake, and Elsie Wake (hockey) have earned spots in the 2023/24 NIAS squads.
Lilly Meredith (equestrian), Trist Dorrian (tennis), and the Junior Representative Hockey team all nominated for awards at the Armidale Sports Awards, with the Junior Representative Hockey team named the Best Junior Regional team.
This truly shows the diversity of our students' interests and the incredible abilities they have across all ages of the college.
Thank you to Greg Cotterell for your contribution to coordinating netball this year - your dedication and commitment have been much appreciated. We also thank the many staff members, who throughout the year have been avid supporters of our students and willingly shown up to watch the girls compete. It is a demonstration of the strong teacher - student connections that are formed at our college. Thanks must also go to the quality coaches of PLC who work tirelessly to coach and train the girls but also invest in their character too.
Lucy Young has done an amazing job this year as Sports Prefect and it has been a pleasure to work with you. Your readiness to tackle any task has been truly commendable. Thank you for your consistent contribution to sport at PLC. You have been a wonderful role model and leader for all our students.
Huge congratulations to Georgia Whibley on being appointed Sports Prefect for the upcoming year, 2024. We're confident that your profound love and enthusiasm for sports will pave the way for remarkable success in all sporting endeavours at the College in the year ahead.
We extend a huge thank you to our parents, carers, and families for their unwavering support towards sports throughout the year. Your tireless commitment, shuttling children to different sporting events and cheering PLC on from the sidelines, is really appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication.
Last but not least, thank you to our wonderful PLC Armidale Senior School students. You have all been amazing representatives of the College and have been a fundamental part in making 2023 the fantastic year it has been. The endless fun had on the IGSA trips to Sydney, the screams encountered in the ice baths and the thrill of being in the Sydney Roosters NRL changing rooms, navigating how to deal with being called ‘bush pigs’, receiving text messages and emails enlightening us on sporting results, the general joy witnessed from the girls at Wednesday afternoon futsal, watching new girls embrace sport and form friendships, and the general consensus from outsiders, that PLC Armdiale girls are always fair and show good sportsmanship is tribute to what fantastic girls we have here at PLC Armidale.
We have loved being part of your successes and we are incredibly grateful in having shared these memories with you throughout 2023.
Health News
Miss Amy Chiu
School Nurse
A big thank you to all staff and students for looking after yourselves this year. The Health Centre team is grateful that the year has gone relatively peaceful.
Thank you to boarding house staff who have been so easy to work with throughout the year. Boarders’ health care would not have been so smooth without the hard work and focus on details.
Looking at 2025, Year 7 and Year 10 students are scheduled to have their school vaccination on Thursday 30th May 2024. More information will be provided to respective parents closer to the date.
PLC Armidale Health Centre wishes all staff and students a lovely and restful school holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back next year, healthily!
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
The Health Centre is contactable via
Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 6770 1741
P&F News
Judi Sheedy
P&F Immediate Past President
Farewell
What a wonderful last week of the school year!
Thank you to all of the staff, students and parents who have made these Week 9 events so memorable.
I would like to thank all of the parents and families who have volunteered their time and/or supported all of the events that P&F have been involved with this year.
Liaison Parents
A special thanks to the wonderful Year Group Liaison Parents who ensure that each and every family feel welcomed and supported within the school.
Our 2023 Liaison Parents have been: Anne-Marie Paul (K), Amy Jacometti & Kelly Wang (Yr 1/2), Nikita Nizik & Fiona May (Yr 3), Alex Notley (Yr 4/5), Tasma Greatrex (Yr 6), Kylie Marchant (Yr 7), Tillney Webb (Yr 8), Be Blake & Paula Jenkins (Yr 9), Maria Gruber & Julius Van der Werf (Yr 10), Susanne Kable (Yr 11 & Boarding), Kathie Marquradt & Emma Young (Yr 12)
To assist with future planning, the table below outlines the major events that are scheduled for next year. Remember, that at least one P&F Committee member will be able to assist each of these events AND we have Event Planning templates to assist with the organisation.
2023 P&F Executive Committee
A huge thank you and congratulations to the P&F Executive Committee. This group of parents and friends willingly give up their time to help make many of the PLCA events so successful. This year the events have run so smoothly and seamlessly, which is a tribute to each and every Committee member.
Our 2023 P&F Executive Committee have been Amy Jacometti (Secretary), Sam Nottley (Treasurer), Ben Carruthers & Tillney Webb (Senior School Representative & Canteen Coordinators), Tasma Greatrex & Kelly Wang (Junior School Representatives) and Susanne Kable (Boarding House Representative). To each and every one of you thank you.
All PLCA staff are highly committed to the school and their role. Thank you to all staff. In particular, I would like to thank Vanessa Arundale who has worked tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly alongside the P&F Committee. In addition, I’d like to acknowledge the support and commitment that Nicola Taylor provides to the P&F. My sincere thanks to you both.
2024 PLC P&F Executive Committee
I am delighted to announce the 2024 P&F Executive Committee.
A huge welcome to our new Committee members - Sarah Yassine (President) and Row Macrae (Secretary). It will be wonderful to work alongside you in the future.
2024 Executive members:
President -Sarah Yassine; Vice President- TBC; Immediate Past President- Judi Sheedy; Secretary- Rowena Macrae; Treasurer -Sam Nottley; Senior Vice Senior School -; Ben Carruthers & Tillney Webb; Senior Vice Junior School- Tasma Greatrex & Shilli Wang; Boarding House Representative- Susanne Kable; Canteen Coordinator- Ben Carruthers & Tillney Webb
On behalf of the P&F Committee, we wish you a safe, relaxing and happy holiday.
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
"My books have been my maternity leave projects so it's so rewarding to see them out in the world!" Bridget Van der Eyk Class of 2006
New Book for Old Girl
I wrote my first novel 10 Dates (a 'Gossip Girl goes Hollywood' contemporary romance) while I was on maternity leave with my daughter Zoe and it was published in July 2022. While on maternity leave with my son Max I decided to further indulge my little hobby and write a sequel, entitled 3000 Words. 3000 Words published worldwide on December 5, with paperback copies available at Reader's Companion.
Both books are available worldwide on Amazon, Booktopia, and Barnes & Noble.
2024 Executive Committee
Peta Taylor (nee Jeffery) Class of 2009 – President
Peta lives in Armidale with her husband Ben, baby Grace and two dogs. Peta works from home running a small legal business (wills, estates and family law). Her ideal spare time at the moment would be planning a garden and reading fiction.
Natasha Purvis Class of 2006 – Vice President
Tash Purvis is a Senior Federal Prosecutor living in Canberra. While her profession keeps her busy, she chooses to spend her free time trying to master the French language, hiking or in her the peace of her garden.
Chelsea Jeffery Class of 2013 – Treasurer
Chelsea lives in Armidale with her dog, cat and ducks. Chelsea works at Reader’s Companion where she can combine two of her loves, books and talking about books. In her spare time she can be found cross-stitching, baking and working through her long list of dream renovations.
Melissa Harvey Class of 2013 – Secretary
Melissa is a public servant who works in communications and is currently working on an agricultural project with NSW DPI. She lives in Armidale with her partner and loves travelling, reading and all hobbies that involve creating things.
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
Want to get together with your class?
If you are interested in joining or organising a milestone reunion group during the Reunion Weekend in October 2024, please get in touch with us at enquiries@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.
Pathways International Student News
The term has finished so quickly and we are pleased to congratulate our Pathways students for completing the course and achieving the English levels so far.
Congratulations to…
Anna Guo and Harriot Chen for being accepted into Macarthur Anglican School for 2024 entry.
Ethan Lin and Jasper Lin for being accepted into Scots All Saints College for 2024 entry.
Jacqueline Balotti and Katayoon Oghloosadeddin for being accepted into Year 11 2024 at PLC Armidale.
Evelyn Liu’s hard work for the year and now in the process of applying to her school of desire.
Emma Geng, Lisa Sheng and Bella Li applied themselves, engaged and worked hard in the program in the past two terms, with the plan of finishing the second half of the ELICOS learning in 2024.
Thank you to Mrs Sennett, Miss Priebbenow, Miss Welch, Mr Davidson, Mrs Miller for teaching and guiding the students this year.
Thank you to all teachers and staff at PLC Armidale for supporting the Pathways program and for including the girls in the school activities and pastoral care lessons.
We look forward to welcoming 8-10 new students in Term 1 2025 commencing their journey to Australian schooling.
PLC Pathways wishes all staff and students a restful and lovely school holiday.
General News
PLCA Uniform Shop
Opening hours
Tuesday 8:30am to 11:30am
Thursday 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Phone: 02 6770 1703
