Lion's Roar Newsletter
Term 2 | Week 9
2024
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
As we conclude Term Two, it is with a deep sense of appreciation and pride that I consider the collective accomplishments and experiences which have enriched our school community.
Reflecting on this semester, I am reminded of the importance of choosing an attitude of gratitude, especially when faced with challenges.
Gratitude fosters a positive environment which encourages people to be at their best and give of their best - it also empowers people to navigate difficulties with resilience and grace...
... continue reading here
Our overarching theme for the year, Explore Serve Journey, has continued to be on display in many of the endeavours and achievements that have been acknowledged and celebrated throughout the term.
We see growing numbers of people engaging with PLC Armidale through visits to our website and the photo gallery, parents onboarding the PLC App and using the Parent Portal, and significant reach through our social media platforms. As a learning community, we have a great story to tell, and I am appreciative of the skill and ability of our Director of Communications and Marketing, who is leading the team to accomplish this with integrity.
This term, our students and staff have exemplified these values through their dedication, hard work, and community spirit.
Exploring Learning
Our academic programs have flourished, with students engaging in various enriching activities and projects. Learning both within and outside of the classroom. Incursions and excursions, class work and assessment tasks, competitions and collaborations have enriched the learning experience. The cumulative effect to spark curiosity, engage hearts and minds, encouraging students to take a risk with their learning enjoying the success of having attained a goal that has been set, no matter how small. Success in learning breeds success.
The release of our 2024 NAPLAN results showing that once more we are above National Average for all areas assessed across all year groups tested bearing testimony to our focus on explicit teaching of core literacy and numeracy skills in the Junior School, extended and applied across the Senior School years.
Service to Community
Service has been at the heart of key activities this term. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) led Whole-School fundraising initiatives—The Biggest Morning Tea and the very timely Winter Woolies Day this week showcased both community and service to others. The Boarders’ Representative Council (BRC) has led a number of events and activities in the Boarding House designed to achieve the same.
The PLC Armidale participation in the Armidale Eisteddfods for Music, Dance and Speech and Drama was exemplary, with members of the community and organising committees passing on their appreciation for the quality of our entries, the gracious acceptance of adjudicators' decisions and the joy of performance gifted to the audiences in attendance at each event. The practical ways girls have been encouraged to serve others is commendable.
Journey through Personal Growth
From our our Year 12 students navigating this penultimate term of their HSC program, to our Pre-Kinder students acquiring new skills and accomplishments, girls across the College have been encouraged to journey through the term with an openness to feedback, reflecting on where they were at the end of Term One, where they are now at the end of Term Two and lessons learned along the way.
Navigating the social world well is part of that journey. Level ground and straight paths for some; windy, rocky and steep paths for others. As parents, we all struggle with seeing our children in distress, our natural instinct is to reduce or rescue them from discomfort. However, as our Silver Duke of Edinburgh hikers recently discovered as they hiked to the Three Peaks in the Scenic Rim - the sense of gain and accomplishment is heightened because of the challenging nature of the terrain and journey.
Parents are encouraged to reach out to Pastoral Care staff when girls are having difficulty navigating their social world. Parents hear their daughter’s perspective, working with the school, allows for this perspective to be challenged or broadened to include factors parents may not be aware of. Working together to put a social ‘safety-net’ around girls is best accomplished when home and school work together. Personal growth journeys are most celebrated when characterised by perseverance and resilience.
Throughout Term Two, the everyday moments of kindness, collaboration, and learning that occur within our school are a testament to the strength and unity of our community. I am grateful to our teachers, staff, parents, and students for their support and commitment.
As we return to Term Three, I look forward to what will be accomplished as we Explore Serve Journey together,
“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.” CS Lewis
Thank you to ...
... everyone involved in our Class of 2023 Sleepover and Experience Day
Most girls entering PLC Armidale Year 7 in 2025 spent the night with us in the Hilton Boarding House on the penultimate day of term.
More than 20 of our current Year 10 girls (all potential Peer Support Leaders in Year 11 2025) hosted the girls and provided a jam-packed program of fun afternoon and evening activities.
After spending the night with their Class of 2030 sisters, the girls attended a morning of stimulating STEM classes before lunch and a riotous afternoon enjoying our annual Guild Song Battle in the Astra Arts Centre.
Everyone left on a high with a true sense of our unique PLC Armidale sisterhood spirit.
See more photos via the Parent Portal HERE
... everyone who took part in our Winter Woolies 2024 fundraiser.
More than $600 was raised for the Salvation Army, Armidale Neighbourhood Centre and Armidale Aboriginal Christian Church.
See all the photos on our Parent Portal HERE
Congratulations
Throughout the year, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the various interests and accomplishments of PLC Armidale girls. We will be aware of the experiences girls undertake to represent the College. We may not know about experiences and achievements in areas of interest outside of school. Please let our Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs Arundale know. Mrs Arundale greatly enjoys telling the story of the quality and achievements of our PLC Armidale girls.
Congratulations to ...
.....our 2023/24 Scope co-editors, Anviti Sinha and Bella Waters, on The Dream issue, which is out now on Issuu:
and our incoming 2024/25 co-editors : Arlie Bragg and Nevada Guiance.
Last week, the editorial team received a dozen printed copies of The Dream issue, and our Year 7 2025 experience day girls received a copy in their Sleepover tote bags. Perfectly on point!!
There will be printed copies available on campus in Term 3, and you can read The Dream Issue online HERE
.....the following students on their remarkable individual achievements at the Armidale and other eisteddfodau.
Annika Ballard – Year 3
Highly Commended - VC16 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo, Australian Composition 12 Years & Under
Jessica Putnam – Year 3
2nd Place - ST03 string solos, novice k-6
Phila Wang – Year 3
Highly commended - KB02 Music Solo - Piano Solo 8 yr & under
Third Place - KB33A - Piano Duet
First Place - KB03A - Piano solo AMEB preliminary and under
First Place - KB04A- Piano Solo AMEB Grade 1&2
First Place - ST22- String Solo, Baroque or classical AMEB Grade 2 and under or equivalent
First Place - ST12- String Solo - Cello Solo AMEB Grade 2 & under or equivalent
Zoe Yuan – Year 3
First Place - KB26 - piano solo, popular or Jazz preliminary level and under
Second Place - KB03A - piano solo AMEB preliminary Level and under division 1
Third place - KB02 - Piano solo 8 years and under
Third Place - KB35A - Music Duos/Trios - Piano Duet/Trio 13 years and under
Highly Commended - KB17 - piano solo - 20th/21th century, grade 2 and Under
Second Place - ST 22 - String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grade 2 and under or Equivalent-
Lucinda Azon-Jacometti- Year 4
Highly Commended – Vocal Solo – Folk Song – 12 Years and Under
Audrey Belford – Year 4
2nd place - 10yrs SD11 Speech & Drama Solo (verse speaking)
3rd place - 10yrs SD16 Speech & Drama Solo (prose recital)
Grace Elbourne – Year 4
First place - Vocal duet – with Maddison Elbourne
Highly commended - Vocal solo - under 12
2nd place - Australian composition any instrument (harp) – Under 12
April Ferguson – Year 4
3rd place - Piano solo popular/jazz AMEB grade 3&4
1st place - Speech and Drama Verse speaking solo yrs8&9
Highly Commended - Speech and Drama mime solo k-6
3rd Place - Speech and Drama prose recital 10 and under
3rd Place - Vocal solo- Disney/theatre 12yrs and under
1st place - Voice solo- Popular 12 years and under
3rd place - Voice solo- Australian composer 12 years and under
1st place - Peter Allen solo - open (piano)
Shiloni Katta – Year 4
1st PLACE - ST05- MUSIC SOLOs – Violin
2nd PLACE - KB33A-MUSIC DUOS – Piano
3rd PLACE - ST23 -STRING SOLOS –
3rd PLACE - SD10 - SPEECH & DRAMA SOLOS –
Highly Commended - ST28 - STRING SOLOS
Highly Commended - VC23 - VOCAL SOLOS – Musical Theatre
3rd PLACE - VC03-VOCAL SOLO
3rd PLACE - VC19- VOCAL SOLO – Sacred
Highly Commended - VC12- VOCAL SOLO – Folk song
Allegra May – Year 4
Third place - ST08 - Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 3-4
First place – ST18 - Music Solos - String Solo, 20th/21st Century AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent
Third place - ST28 - Music Solos - String Solo, Romantic AMEB Grades 3-4 & Under or Equivalent
Second place - ST33
Lydia Yuan – Year 4
First Place - KB27- Piano Solo, popular or Jazz AMEB Grades 1&2 level
First place - KB04B - Piano Solo AMEB 1+2 level
Second Place - KB17- Piano solo 20th /21th century AMEB grade 2 and Under
Second Place - KB 22- Piano solo, Baroque AMEB grade 3 and under
Third Place - KB 39 - New England Piano Championships AMEB Grade 4 and under
Third Place - KB35A - Music Duos/Trios - Piano Duet/Trio 13 years and under
First Place - SD11 Speech and Drama Solos - Verse Speaking, Solo 10 years
Second Place - SD 16 Speech and Drama Solos - Prose Recital, Solo 10 years and under
Highly Commended - SD24A Speech and Drama Solos - Mime K -6
Third Place - ST12 - Music Solos- Cello or Double Bass Solo AMEB Grade 2 & under or equivalent
Isabella Wyatt – Year 5
Highly Commended - SDII Speech & Drama Solos - Verse Speaking
Nyka Naveen - Year 5
VC03 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo 12 Years & Under – Highly Commended
VC12 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo, Folk Song or Ballad 12 Years & Under - SECOND
VC16 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo, Australian Composition 12 Years & Under - Highly Commended
VC19 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo, Sacred 12 Years & Under - SECOND
VC46 - Music & Vocal Championships - New England Vocal Age Championship 12 Years & Under - THIRD
KB35A – Music Duos/Trios - Piano Duet/Trio 13 Years & Under - Nyka Naveen and Hansali Dammalage – Highly Commended
KB17 – Music Solos - Piano Solo, 20th/21st Century AMEB Grades 2 & Under (Not Popular or Jazz) – Highly Commended
SD26 – Speech & Drama Solos - Public Speaking, Prepared Speech 11 Years & Under – Highly Commended
Georgina Arundale-Fuller – Year 6
1st - Speech Drama Solos - Prose Recital Solo 11 years
2nd Speech and Drama Solos SD24A - Mime solo Yrs K-6
2nd Speech and drama solos - Verse speaking, Solo 11 years
3rd Speech and Drama solos, Prepared Speech 11 years
Georgiana Ballard – Year 6
Highly Commended - MC01 Years K-6 Composition
Highly Commended - VC03 - Vocal Solos - Vocal Solo 12 Years & Under
2nd Place - SD24B – Speech & Drama Solos - Mime, Solo Years K-6
Lucie Stephen – Year 6
1st – Prepared Speech 11yrs
1st- Verse Speaking, Solo 11 years
2nd- Prose Recital Solo 11 years
3rd - Mime Solo Yrs K-6
Edith Clynch – Year 7
3rd Place - SD18 Speech and Drama Solo - Prose Recital.
2nd Place - SD03 - Speech and Drama Solo - Character Sketch.
1st Place - SD49 Space Jump.
Highly Commended.- ST23 String Solo.
Hansali Dammalage – Year 7
3rd- KB13-Piano Solo, Restricted AMEB Grades 1& 2
Highly Commended - KB35A-Music Duos/Trios-13 yrs + under
Ava Greatrex – Year 7
1st Place - ST06 - Violin Solo Restricted
Maddison Elbourne – Year 8
2nd place - Vocal solo - Under 15
First place - Vocal duet – with Grace Elbourne
Darcie Finlayson – Year 8
1st place - WB 10 - music solo - woodwind
3rd place - WB 53 - music duos/trios y7-12 - Darcie & Poppy McLaren
1st place - WB 53 - music duos/trios y7-12 - with Beatrice Schaefer
2nd Place - WB 42 - music solos - recorder solo - AMEB grade 4 or 5
Isabella Forrest – Year 8
2nd place- Drama - Character sketch
1st place - Drama - Verse
3rd place - Drama - Speech
Junior speech and drama Championship winner
Kalani Maduwage – Year 8
First Place - KB 11 - Music Solos Piano Solo Novice 12 and under
Second Place - KB04B Piano Solo AMEB Grades 1& 2 –
Highly Commended - KB 13 - Music Solos Piano Solo Restricted AMBE Grade 1 & 2
Sophia Marchant – Year 8
2nd place - VC17 Vocal Solo Australian Composition
3rd place - VC Vocal Solo 14yrs and under
Poppy-Grace Newton – Year 8
1st Place - Inverell – Dance Demi Character improv
3rd place - Inverell – Dance - Ballet Solo
Third place - Inverell – Dance - Contemporary Solo
2nd place - Inverell – Dance - Modern Improv
Highly Commended - Inverell – Dance - Ballet and Contemporary Improv
1st place - Armidale – Dance - Contemporary Solo
2nd place - Armidale – Dance - Ballet Solo
2nd place - Armidale – Dance - Ballet Improv
Highly Commended - Armidale – Dance - Modern Improv
Encouragement Award - Armidale – Dance
Bella Fittler – Year 9
first - StO9 – Violin
Kate Loxley – Year 9
MC03 Music Composition Year 9 Finalist
First - SD19 Speech and Drama Solos Prose Recital 14 and 15 years
First - SD22 Speech and Drama Solos Prose Reading 14 and 15 years
Second - ST25 String Solos Baroque or Classical AMEB Grades 7 - 8
Alana Marshall – Year 9
1st place - KB36 musical duo/trio piano duet15 years or younger (with Lilian Sue)
2nd place - SD19 prose recital 14 and 15 years
3rd place - SD22 Impromptu prose reading
Elise Tisserand – Year 9
1st Place: Vocal (VC20) Vocal solo, Sacred, 15 years & under
1st Place (with Grace Robertson): Vocal (VC36) Vocal duet/trio, 15 years & under
2nd Place: Speech & Drama (SD22) Impromptu prose reading, solo, 14-15 years
3rd Place: Speech & Drama (SD19) Prose recital, solo, 14 & 15 years
3rd Place: Vocal (VC13) Vocal solo, folk song or ballad, 15 years & under
3rd Place: Vocal (VC17) Vocal solo, Australian composition, 15 years & under
3rd Place: Speech & Drama (SD04) Character sketch, solo, non-Shakespeare, 14 & 15 years
Runner Up (tied): Speech & Drama (SD54) New England Speech & Drama Championship - Junior, 12-14 years
Highly Commended: Speech & Drama (SD14) Verse speaking, solo, 14 & 15 years
Highly Commended: Speech & Drama (SD28) Public speaking, prepared speech, 14-15 years
Highly Commended: Vocal (VC24) Vocal solo, Musical Theatre, Disney film, Television, Operetta, 15 years & under
Rebe Cunningham – Year 10
1st - SD31 Impromptu Speech Years 10-12
3rd - SD28 Prepared Speech 14-15 yrs
1st - SD14 Verse 14-15 yrs
2nd - SD04 Character Sketch 14-15 yrs
1st - VC13 Folk Song 15 yrs & under
2nd - VC20 Sacred Song 15 yrs & under
Highly Commended - VC47 Vocal Age Championship 13-15 yrs
3rd - VC24 Musical Theatre 15 yrs & under
Highly Commended - VC28 Popular Song 15 yrs & under
1st - ST04 Novice Strings Yrs 7-12 Viola
2nd - WB13 Woodwind, post 1900, grade 1 or equivalent
1st - WB07 Woodwind, restricted 14-18 yrs
Rachel Mungall – Year 10
1st place - SD28 Public Speaking - Prepared Speech 14 & 15 Years
2nd place - SD14 Verse Speaking Solo 14 &15 Years
1st place - SD04 - Character Sketch Solo 14 & 15 Years - Non Shakespeare
2nd place - SD42 - Period Plays Shakespeare Group Years 9-12
1st place - SD51 Prepared Story Telling 15 - 23 Years
3rd place - SD49 Quads Improvisation (Space Jump) 4 person team
Winner of UNE Drama Department Perpetual Shield
Adjudicators Award Speech and Drama Years 7 - 12 (Senior School)
Binudi Vithana – Year 10
First place - MC04 Music composition solo
First place - VC05 Vocal solo
Second place - VC13 Vocal solo
First place - VC17 Vocal solo
Second place - VC47 - Vocal Championship
Arlie Bragg – Year 11
First - Verse Speaking/ Solo 16-23 years
First - Vocal Solo/ Musical, Operetta 18 yrs & Under
First - Vocal Solo/ Folk Song or Ballad - 18 yrs & Under
First - String Solo cello/double bass - Grade/ 20th/21st Century - 7/8
First - String Solo cello/double bass - Baroque/ Classical - Grade 7/8
2024 Armidale Eisteddfod Adjudicators Award for Cello/ Double Bass
2024 Invitation to play cello in Gala Concert
Sophie Hardin – Year 11
Highly Commended - Impromptu Speech (Speech and Drama)
Third - Public Speaking prepared Speech (Speech and Drama Solos)
India Smith – Year 11
1st place - Music Composition Solos Year 11
2nd place - Violin or Viola Solo, Open
1st place - String Solo, Baroque or Classical, Open
1st place - String Solo, 20th/21st Century, Open
Highly Commended - New England String Championship Open
1st Place - Instrumental Solo, Australian Composition Open
Stella Tuohey – Year 11
2nd - Woodwind Solo Pre 1900 AMEB Grades 6-7 or Equivalent
Amelie van der Werf – Year 11
3rd place - ST 37 Music and Vocal Championships AMEB Grade 7 and 8
.... all those PLC Armidale students who performed, or received champion or adjudicator awards at the Armidale Eisteddfod Gala Concert.
Phila Wang
Arlie Bragg
Treble Makers
Rachel Mungall and Isabelle Forrest
Emily Adams, Rebe Cunningham and Josie Fawcett
PLC Armidale Jazz Band
.... Dixon - our 2024 Guild Song Battle winner!!
After only two rehearsals, our girls from Pre-K to Year 12 staged an impressive annual Guild Song Battle. This year's theme was 'hits from the flicks,' with each Guild Captain drawing a song title from a hat.
As one of our visiting judges said, "It was fantastic; you could feel the love in the room".
See all the photos via the Parent Portal HERE
...our Year 6 and Year 8 Debating Teams
who won the second round of the Trischool Competition hosted by NEGS last week.
Save the Date - PLC Armidale Signature Art Prize
Our inaugural acquisitive art prize has been launched.
With a prize pool of $10,000, we invite all professional artists to enter.
Works will be judged by industry leaders: the renowned artist Angus Nivison, the renowned curator and exhibition manager Belinda Hungerford, and the renowned gallerist Allison Bellinger.
Finalists will be revealed, and the winners will be announced at an exhibition and dinner on Saturday, October 19. There will also be an exhibition of our current and past student's work.
We will release tickets next term for this fabulous evening.
Please share this news with all your creative friends and encourage them to enter via this link by August 16.
Miss-Connection -
Why your teenager ‘hates’ you, expects the world and needs to talk.
Join us for an evening with Dr Justin Coulson for this significant event, relevant to parents, educators and those working with pre-teen girls through to young women across the New England, North West Region.
Open to all community members regardless of where their daughters go to school. This event is one of a series focusing on factors that impact the growth and development of young women in an increasingly technological, disconnected, digital and highly sexualised world.
Trying to guide a teenage daughter through a complex adolescent world is… well, complicated. Mental health concerns, body image issues, premature and/or non-consensual intimacy, friendship challenges, and alcohol and drugs are just the tip of the iceberg.
Join Dr Justin Coulson as he unpacks the science and provides practical real-world advice for parenting your teenage daughter. You’ll leave this presentation with simple and valuable tools and techniques to help you guide your daughters safely and successfully through adolescence.
You’ll discover what is really going on in the minds of our teenage daughters – how do they really feel and what do they wish you knew? Find out how we can stay connected to our daughters and keep them motivated, whilst also dealing with the eye-rolls and bad attitude.
We’ll talk about how we can keep them safe and informed without them pushing us away; and how to encourage them to develop strong, healthy relationships and resilience. Plus we’ll cover the best things we can do to support our daughters during this tumultuous time.
Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance, the founder of happyfamilies.com.au and one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He holds a PhD in Positive Psychology.
Over the past decade he has helped innumerable families with his nine books about raising children, his hundreds of media appearances (including all of Australia’s major news outlets, and even the Washington Post and the New York Times), and two viral videos that have been viewed a combined 80 million times!
Justin and his wife Kylie have been married since the late 1990s and are the parents of six daughters.
* Please note to allow uncensored discussion; this event is for adults only.
2024 Student Leaders
Lunch Orders
The full week's menu can be seen on your My Student Account via CONNECT
The deadline each day for ordering a hot meal is 10:50 am, after that cut off, both salad bar and make-your-own-sandwich options are available until 1.15 pm.However, there will be no spare hot specials available.
Junior School families are asked to contact Mrs Creamer for assistance on the day.
Senior School students will need to use their Student ID card for an on-the-spot purchase and all salad bar or make-you- own-sandwich pre bookings need to be marked off on arrival to the Dining Hall.
You can book online via CONNECT by clicking the My Student Account tile.
All school term dates and information can be found on the Parent Portal HERE
Senior School News
Mrs Kate Clynch
Head of Senior School
Congratulations to .....
...our 2024 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award recipients
who received their awards at our Senior School Assembly last week.
...our winning Tritation Team at the recent HSC Booster Day
Caitlin Kable, Bella Waters and Ellie Woods, won the regional Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition hosted by the University of New England.
The event aims to inspire high school students with a passion for the hands-on elements of Chemistry.
Our winning team was part of our Year 12 Chemistry cohort, which attended the HSC Booster sessions at the UNE.
...Lilly Gully
who received a Faculty Award for her Chinese for Beginners learning
... India Smith
who performed a stunning recital concert at the Armidale Playhouse last weekend with her PLCA sisters, Arlie Bragg, Tiko Lay, Bridie O'Neill and Amelie van der Werf
... our Archdale Debating teams
who have won rounds against some strong competition in the Virtual Archdale Invitational Debating Competition.
We have 18 Archdale debating girls and the competition continues next term.
Established in the early 1970s, currently more than 28 Independent Girls' Secondary Schools from across NSW compete in the annual Archdale Debating Competition.
Our Intermediate Secondary Round 1 Team won against Frensham
Our Senior Secondary Round 4 Team won against Pymble Ladies College
Our Junior Secondary Round 4 Team won against our sister school PLC Sydney
Year 10 Celebration Dinner - Save the Date
November 9 is the celebration dinner for our year 10 cohort. The dress code is semi-formal and the venue will be announced next term. For more information contact our PLC Armidale Year 10 Liasion parents Bec Blake (0447 977 721) or Melita MacMahon (0413 324 309)
Year 7-9 Social
Dress as something that starts with the first letter of your name was the theme for the social for Farrer, NEGS and PLC Armidale Year 7-9 students hosted by NEGS last week. Congratulations to Maddy Elbourne and Poppy-Grace Newton who were both Runners-Up for the Best Costume prize. See more photos in our gallery via the Parent Portal HERE
Stage 6 Preliminary Biology
The class's end-of-semester lesson had a twist—the girls were asked to make a Eukaryotic Cell out of edible treats to demonstrate their understanding of cells as the basis of life.
After building the cell, they had to explain what each bit did before eating it!
Year 8 German
Year 8 German had the opportunity to make and taste a variety of different German dishes in a combined lesson with Miss Priebbenow this week. They made Käsespätzle, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Kaiserschmarrn, Bretzeln (pretzels), Kinderpunsch (hot spiced grape juice), and Apfelschorle. Thanks to Mr. Creamer for helping out and sharing his space!
Stage 6 English
Our senior girls have been studying The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald with Mr Clendinning and held a Gatsby-themed brunch in the Dance Studio to mark an end to Semester One learning.
PPEP-Talk
The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP-Talk), developed by the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, is an age-appropriate, neuroscience-based program that helps girls determine whether their pain is normal, how to manage pain, and when to seek help.
Our girls attended a one-hour interactive program provided by a trained educator from the Pelvic Pain Australia Foundation, Polly Levinson, followed by an opportunity for students with pain to speak one-on-one with her after the session.
We have a new PLC Armidale Ensemble
The group had its first rehearsal last week, they gather on Thursday mornings at 8am. Please speak with Mr Minter if you are interested in joining or want more information.
Tickets will go on sale early in Term 3.
For any enquires please call
Susanne Kable, Year 12 Liaison Parent on 0427255251 or skable8@bigpond.com
Junior School News
Stage Three Visual Art
Our Stage Three class has been enjoying Visual Arts with Mrs Schaefer - recently looking at the series of 26 Ned Kelly works by Sydney Nolan.
Congratulations to ...
... our Year 6 Debating team
who won against NEGS in round two of the Trischool Cup competition.
... all our Assembly Award Winners and birthday girls
You can find a gallery of our Term 2 Junior School Award winners HERE on our Parent Portal
Boarding Life
Sam and Amy Jacometti
Heads of Boarding
Enjoy your break - the Boarding House will reopen at 2pm on Monday, July 22.
Stay in touch
As always, a reminder about accessing the Instagram page to enjoy highlights of Boarding House activities.
Our PLCABoarding Insta page continues to be the primary way of getting out stories, reels and announcements to our Boarders and their families. If you are part of Boarding and are not yet connected, we encourage you to download the app, sign in/create an account and search for @plcaboarding.
Once you send a request through, it can be approved from our end and you will be able to see fun content from the weekly activities in the Boarding House. We have found this to be an efficient way of sending pictures and videos instead of sending the footage individually. #BoardingLife
Please reach out if you have questions.
For day to day information relevant to your daughter(s) or to keep us updated, please phone the Boarding House on 6770 1716, or the House Mother phone: 0417 033 424. For any concerns, please contact the Head of Boarding phone on 0428 866 590.
Sam, Amy, Lucinda, Anneliese (and Bailey 🐕)
CAPA News
Mrs Joanne Wysel
Head of Creative and Performing Arts
Ruby Moon
The Year 11 drama class recently delivered an outstanding performance of Ruby Moon, a play by Matt Cameron that interweaves magic realism with a narrative about loss and societal facades. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of a young Australian girl, Ruby, who vanishes on her way to her grandmother's house, never to be found. This unsettling tale echoes the myth of Red Riding Hood and parallels the real-life tragedies of missing children in Australia.
The students' interpretation of the play's central themes—grief, trauma, and the hidden darkness of suburbia—was both powerful and poignant. The set design was minimalistic, reflecting the sterile uniformity of suburban life, with a white picket fence symbolising the illusion of neighbourhood perfection. This stark setting enhanced the dramatic revelations about what truly lies behind closed doors.
India and Arlie delivered moving performances as Ray and Sylvie Moon, the bereaved parents whose lives are shattered by Ruby's disappearance. Their portrayal captured the depth of their sorrow and the disintegration of their marriage, highlighting their struggle to find hope amidst their grief.
Teya's dual roles were particularly noteworthy; she brought a compelling intensity to Sid Craven, a downtrodden clown symbolising societal outcasts, and skillfully portrayed Dawn, the babysitter.
Bridie's versatility shone through in her performances as Sonny Jim, a humorous yet troubled retired soldier with PTSD, and Dulcie, an elderly woman losing touch with reality while obsessively surveilling her neighbourhood through the imagined presence of her parrot.
Emily, as director, displayed a keen sensitivity to the play's concepts, crafting a vision that was both insightful and thought-provoking.
The technical aspects of the production were expertly managed by Mr. Estriech, whose work with lighting and technical support significantly enhanced the overall atmosphere of the play. And a special thanks to Nathan and Aisha who built the fabulous white picket fence for us! Thank you!
The performance was a testament to the talent and dedication of the Year 11 cohort. Their commitment to the arts continues to impress, and their interpretation of Ruby Moon left a lasting impact on the audience demonstrating remarkable skill and passion, reinforcing the high standards of our drama program here at PLC Armidale.
See images from the production via the Parent Portal HERE
Stage 5 Play is underway!
Stage 5 Drama is excited to present "The WhoDunit That Goes Wrong" next term.
This production showcases our students' versatility as they take on roles in acting, costume, set design, marketing, lighting, and sound design. Our Year 10 students will also step into the role of directors.
We have two dynamic casts, group WHO and group DUNIT, ready to bring this hilarious farce to life. The play revolves around a murder at Haversham Manor where, true to farcical tradition, everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
Join us at The Armidale Playhouse on Wednesday, August 14, and Thursday, August 15 (Week 4, next term) for an evening of laughter and chaos. Don't miss this uproarious production of "The WhoDunit That Goes Wrong."
Senior School Visual Arts
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Excursion
Our recent excursion to the Capitol Theatre in Tamworth was unforgettable. Year 9 and 10 Music and Drama, and Year 8 English students watched Bell Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," preparing them for Term 3 studies.
The students were excited as they boarded the buses. At the theatre, they were warmly welcomed and settled in for an afternoon of theatrical magic.
Bell Shakespeare's production was spectacular. The set, featuring a large wooden structure, created an illusion of flight, enhancing the play's magical atmosphere. The creative set and costume design brought each scene to life.
The cast's performances were outstanding, delivering their lines with clarity and emotion. Sharp direction ensured flawless comedic timing and plot execution. The set and costumes added to the immersive experience.
Before the performance, students attended a Bell Shakespeare workshop that deepened their understanding of the play. This preparation helped them appreciate the production's nuances.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Students enjoyed the live performance, finding the workshops particularly helpful. They left with a renewed appreciation for Shakespeare.
The excursion was a resounding success, combining entertainment with learning and deepening students' engagement with Shakespearean drama. We look forward to more opportunities to expose our students to live theatre.
Thank you to Mrs Wysel for organising the excursion and Ms Welch, Miss Kiendienst, Mr Minter, and Miss Preibbenow for accompanying the girls on the excursion.
It has been a busy busy term in the Creative and Performing Arts. From our team - we hope you have a wonderful break over the holidays. We can’t wait to see you next term.
Sport News
Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Head of Sport
Congratulations to ....
... Ava Notley, Mila Vanzella, Amelia Webb and Mem Lay
who represented the New England region at the State Championships in Bathurst.
... Mia Montgomery
who has been selected as one of the 20 players in the 2024 CIS 18 Years Girls Rugby League Team and is off to the ASSRL 18s Boys and Girls National Championships in Coffs Harbour in the second week of July
Introducing our Sports Captains
This week we meet Mia Montgomery who is our 2024 Rugby Captain
1. What is it about rugby that makes it a great sport?
I think that rugby is a great sport because of all of the amazing opportunities, connections and memories you make not only on the field but the ones you make off the field.
Playing rugby, I have had the opportunity to travel to so many different places, meet so many different people from all over, and create lifelong connections and memories. Coming away from many footy trips, I have found that it isn't the silly mistakes that the team or I made on the field or the games we lost that I remember, but the things we do off of the field that has had a lasting impact on me, the bonds between coaching staff and the other players are ones that make rugby so important to me.
I think that rugby has shaped the person that I am today. It has meant that I have developed confidence and social skills when it comes to meeting new people and working well in a team environment, as well as developing resilience - things don't always go the way that you had planned or hoped, but rugby always allows for you to grow as a person and to use the negatives and to turn them into positives.
There are so many different reasons why rugby is the greatest sport. The rush and adrenaline that it gives you is just the start, but the connections that you make are the things that you will remember in years to come.
2. What other sport do you like to play/watch?
I play both rugby league and union, so these take up most of my time. I love playing touch footy in the warmer months. Touch footy has always been a love of mine, growing up playing in social competitions and also playing throughout primary school. I absolutely love watching rugby league and union throughout the year, and in particular, the Manly Sea Eagles.
3. In your opinion, what makes a good captain/sport leader?
I think a good captain is willing to share their knowledge with younger and less experienced players. I believe that someone who creates a supportive environment for other players and teammates, not necessarily someone who tells everyone what to do but can give good feedback and work on, shows great leadership qualities. A good leader can communicate well and effectively within the team while also communicating the team members' thoughts, ideas, and concerns to other coaching staff or officials.
Important Dates for your diary:
IGSA Hockey and Netball Trips
Trip 1: August 2-3
Trip 2: August 30-31
Finals: September 20-21
IGSA Athletics: 22-23 August
IPSHA Athletics: 28 August
Winter Sports (Term 2 and 3)
We encourage all girls to participate in sport.
Please, at any stage if you are unsure of anything or need clarification, send me an email ldonaldson@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au and I will endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, Mrs Stephanie Fahy at the Senior School Reception senior_school_administration@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au will be able to assist as well.
You can find all the photos from our 2024 Athletics Carnival HERE on our Parent Portal
Sporting Commitments Reminder
Just a friendly reminder about the importance of honoring the commitments your daughters have made to their chosen sports activities. With such a busy term, it's crucial to prioritise these initial commitments. If an unavoidable conflict arises, please ensure they email the coordinating teacher and inform their coach. Thank you for supporting your daughters in this matter.
The Giants netball team are extending $15 tickets offers to all IGSA schools! - including PLC Armidale.
BOOK HERE and use our unique school code PLAGN24
Health News
Ms Amy Chiu
School Nurse
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
There are several resources that are available to learn more about Healthy Eating. Parents are encouraged to look into this where applicable.
Alternatively, purchasing lunches from the Dining Hall is also a convenient option.
Medicare details and medications in Edumate
It would be much appreciated if all parents/carers can check your daughters' Edumate details, especially for any medical updates, current medications and their medicare details. Please update the Edumate data to notify the school for any changes, or simply email us with any updates.
Health Centre opening hours
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am to 3:30pm - Emily
Tuesday and Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm - Amy
Contact number: 02 6770 1741. Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
P&F News
Sarah Yassine
P&F President
Our next P&F meeting is scheduled for 6 August at 5.30pm in the PLC Armidale boardroom or via Zoom. Everyone is welcome!
https://plcarmidale.zoom.us/j/89159031702?pwd=d3FTZGtRenNzZ1BqODBRd01sSUppZz09
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
Autumn Green Tartan
Our dynamic Old Girls Union Committee is publishing a seasonal edition of Green Tartan you can find the autumn issue HERE
Calling all '74, '04 and '14 alumnae - are you ready to celebrate your milestone reunion?
Our Class of '84 alumnae will stay at the Hilton Boarding House during the October OGU Reunion weekend—what fun. There is still space available - let us now if you would like to book a dorm!
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
A connection with Mrs P...
Our Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor, has received many notes regarding the sad passing of Mrs Jan Patterson, and we will publish some of these anecdotes in future issues.
Monique Mercy (Monique Howe - Class of 2010) is part of the cast of the current hit ABC Series Ladies in Black, about the lives of a group of department store employees in 1959 Sydney. She is also in a feature film (The Girl in the Shadows) that will be released later this year. Monique dedicated her recent Instagram post about the release of Ladies in Black to Mrs P.
"my beautiful speech and drama teacher, from high school made me believe I had enough talent to make acting my career. We worked on American monologues from plays, and I even won a trophy at my local eisteddfod and then again in Sydney. I want to dedicate this post to her, Mrs Jan Patterson. I can’t believe I’m here and have acted with such iconic talent. And thank you to anyone who has supported me along the way. It’s a rollercoaster mate! Ladies in Black out now."
If you have a memory of Mrs P you would like to share with us please email communications@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PLC Armidale Foundation
You can make a significant impact through PLC Armidale's Scholarship Fund.
Consider making a difference, whether it's through one substantial donation or smaller contributions spread over the remaining weeks.
Directing your donation to the Scholarship Fund ensures that future generations of students can access the invaluable opportunities provided by PLC Armidale. By investing in their education, you're giving tangible support and fostering a community that thrives on generosity and support.
Please take a moment to reflect on how much you can afford to contribute each fortnight.
Remember, every dollar counts. If each current family donated an average of $500, we could raise more than $125,000, making a significant impact on the lives of future students.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our school community.
General News
Keep your children safe online
We have signed up with the team at Safe on Social to give our parents a 20 percent discount on the new eReady Kids program.
Simply use the code plcarmidale24
Which will reduce the cost of the program to only $38 per year. The school will also get $5 for every family who signs up.
For more information about the program and to purchase, please visit: https://www.safeonsocial.com/ereadykids
