Lion's Roar Newsletter
Term 4 | Week 2
2024
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
Although only the second week of term, students led by staff have quickly settled into the routine and rhythms of school.
This term is marked by an exciting combination of celebration, achievement, and anticipation for the journey that continues for all our students.
Feedback from girls who have begun with us this term has largely been positive. The most frequent refrain is that classrooms are settled, teachers actually teach, and the girls are focused on learning.
One priceless piece of feedback passed on by a new parent was her daughter’s comment at the end of her first day “Mum, it was so weird, everyone was really kind and nice -weird but good weird!”.
Whilst there is a concern that this has not been the experience elsewhere, it is a very positive reflection that the culture cultivated at the College is something appreciated and sought by those who choose PLC Armidale.
The Annual Signature Event, this year an Acquisitive Art Show and Dinner, was a great success...
... continue reading here
A collaborative effort of the Foundation Committee, Parents & Friends, and Old Girls Union (OGU) in the planning, supported by a fabulous ‘Artists Brains Trust’ helped ensure the Art Prize was in accord with that which would attract quality entrants. Whilst the event was a fundraiser with all proceeds donated to the Scholarship Fund, it was a fitting demonstration of the PLC Armidale community .
Alongside the diverse body of work which represented the selected finalists, the showcase of student work and quality teaching was equally impressive. The girls displayed remarkable creativity, talent and hard work as they sang, danced, played, acted and served throughout the evening, capturing the essence of our College’s commitment to the creative and performing arts and building community.
The evening was not only a feast for the eyes and ears but also a meaningful opportunity to connect with families past, current and prospective enjoying the culture which characterises PLC Armidale.
Congratulations to every student, staff member, and volunteer whose hard work made this event a resounding success. A special thank you to the organising committee led by Mrs Vanessa Arundale (PLCA), Mrs Sally McCook (Foundation), Mrs Rowena McRae (P&F), Mrs Peta Taylor, and Ms Chelsea Jeffrey (OGU). Thank you also to the Artists Brains Trust, Mrs Emma Schaeffer, Mrs Paula Jenkins, and Mrs Robyn Markey, for without their contribution, the quality of entrants and professional exhibit of their work may not have been achieved.
Along with the extra buzz of last week's events, the Annual Signature Event, the annual College Council Armidale weekend, and the annual OGU weekend, I am pleased to report a smooth commencement of the HSC Examinations. Our Year 12 girls have approached this milestone with determination and focus, a testament to their diligence and the steadfast support of their teachers and families. As they move through these final assessments in the coming weeks we know the results do not define their worth and value, the outcome of their PLC Armidale education will be much broader and more long lasting.
This week also marked the formal induction of our 2025 Senior School Leadership team. These young women are stepping into roles that will not only shape their final year at PLC Armidale but also enrich the experience of the students around them. Leadership at the College is grounded in our values; humility, integrity, respect and self-discipline. The girls were encouraged to have their individual efforts reflect these values in action through a lens of leadership in the service of others. We look forward to seeing the ways in which our student leaders will leave their mark, inspire their peers, and exemplify the College values.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, it is essential to recognise that our journey is far from complete. PLC Armidale will be strongly represented in the New England SIngs performances this weekend, our Year 10 families will gather for a Celebration Dinner whilst our Year 9 Students embark upon the 28-day residential program, ESJ. In the coming weeks they will experience challenge, change, growth and community through a sequence of activities set amidst the natural beauty of New England. I look forward to joining Ms Armanda Burney and Ms Jennifer Leahy at different points along the way to share in the opportunity presented to Year 9 to explore, serve and journey.
This term also invites every student to embrace the challenges that come with new learning, growing relationships, and the journey of becoming lifelong explorers, learners, and compassionate leaders.
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 2025 leadership team who were inducted this week:
Head Prefect Emily Blake; Deputy Head Prefect Arlie Bragg; Boarding Prefect Poppy McLaren; Creative Arts Prefect India Smith; International Prefect Maggie Zhen ; Sports Prefect Bridie O’Neill ; Spiritual Leaders Emily Blake ; Tiko Lay and Teya Catterall ; Dixon Captain - Tiko Lay and Deputy Zoe Webb ; Hamlin Captain Tilly George and Deputy Isabella Every ; Lovell Captain Teya Catterall and Deputy Sophie Young; Wilkie Captain Anna Grills and Deputy Korin Kelly
Leadership is not just about holding a position or wearing a badge; it is about being a role model, inspiring others, and embodying our College values of Humility, Integrity, Respect and Self-Discipline.
Ad Astra ladies!
...everyone who was part of our Signature Art Prize Exhibition Dinner
On Saturday, 19 October, our first-ever Signature Art Prize Exhibition dinner was successfully launched as a Foundation Scholarship fundraising initiative, with all proceeds dedicated to preparing girls to lead lives of significance.
More than 170 people attended the event, which featured an impressive collection of artworks valued at over $150,000, including works by current students.
The prestigious acquisitive art prize attracted 130 entries from across the country, with 60 outstanding works selected for an exhibition that celebrates excellence in Australian art through three major prize categories generously sponsored by Pathways Education Solutions (PES):
$6,000 Acquisitive Prize
Winner: Julianne Ross Allcorn
Work: "Spring Awakenings in the Valley"
$2,000 Best Work on Paper
Winner: Maree Azzopardi
Work: "The Crossings #3"
$2,000 Best Work on Canvas/Board
Winner: Kerry Gulliver
Work: "Green and Gold Illumination"
Many finalist works are still for sale via the online gallery at https://store.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/
Renowned artist and judge Angus Nivison praised the exhibition's high calibre and professional presentation, emphasising the vital role of arts in society.
"Supporting the arts is crucial to humanity," Nivison remarked, commending the exceptional standard of entries and their thoughtful display.
Mr Nivison said for him, sitting still and viewing one piece of art each day was a meditative experience, and he encouraged people to buy something they like and can lose themselves in when building their art collection. He also said he was amazed by the talent on show in the school art exhibition and ensemble performances.
Principal Nicola Taylor extended her gratitude to the distinguished panel of art professionals who contributed to the exhibition's success, including judges Belinda Hungerford (curator at New England Regional Art Museum) and gallerist Allison Bellinger; and brains trust artists Emma Schaeffer, Paula Jenkins and Robyn Markey for their expert grouping and installation.
Pathways Education Solutions (PES), established in 2021, generously provided the $10,000 prize money for this inaugural event. As a not-for-profit consultancy company, PES supports and guides overseas schools in delivering high-quality English language programs.
Their mission aligns with supporting Christian schools such as PLC Armidale, making them an ideal partner for this significant cultural and educational initiative.
The evening's program featured an impressive array of student performances, including:
The Senior Choir's rendition of Queen's "Somebody to Love"
Multiple dance performances by Poppy-Grace Newton and Olive Chandler, Stage 5 and Senior Dance Ensembles
Dramatic presentations including "Women in Shakespeare" by Year 11 Drama
Musical performances by the Senior Strings Ensemble and Jazz Band
Mrs Taylor said Presbyterian Ladies' College Armidale is the region’s pre-eminent independent girls' school committed to excellence in education and the arts.
“The Signature Art Prize Exhibition opening represents the school's dedication to fostering creativity and artistic expression among its students while supporting its mission to empower and develop young women of character and purpose,” Mrs Taylor said.
If you were unable to come along, you can still contribute to our 2024 Foundation Fundraiser by finding an artwork to purchase or by donating HERE
all our Speech and Drama AMEB certificate recipients...
At our Commencement Assembly last week, Mrs Kylie Alcorn L.S.D.A. presented certificates to our Speech and Drama students, including Year 11 students Taya Catterall (A+), Sophie Hardin (A+), Tiko Lay (A), Arlie Bragg (A+) and Bridie O'Neill (A) who all completed their Voice and Communication Certificate (CVCA ).
The CVCA examination included Preparation, Prose, Poetry and Choice components as well as a presentation on a controversial subject where candidates set out to advocate on an issue or sway the audience to their point of view.
AMEB Grade One: Audrey Belford (A), April Ferguson (A+), Shiloni Katta (A+) and Lydia Yuan (A+) - all in Year 4
AMEB Grade Two: Nyka Naveen (B+) and Isabella Wyatt (B+) both in Year 5
AMEB Grade 3 : Georgina Arundale-Fuller (A+), Georgianna Ballard (B), Sophia Craig (B+), Thara Dhinakaran (A) Prodipta Shil (A+), Lucie Stephens (A+), Annabella Wysel (B+) - all in Year 6
AMEB Grade 4: Anna Blake (B+), Georgie Blake (A), Edie Clynch (B+), Lola Ferguson (A+), Hannah Swain (B+), Rosie Woods (B+) - all in Year 7
AMEB Grade 5: Issy Forest (A+), Willow Gully (B+), Kithmi Jayaratne (A+), Hope Stoltenburg (A+) - all in Year 8
AMEB Grade 6 : Kate Loxley (A+), Alanna Marshall (A), Tess Schmude (C+), Elise Tisserand (A) - all in Year 9
AMEB Grade 7: Emily Adams (A), Rebe Cunningham (A), Rachel Mungall (A), Kianna Ping-Kee (A) - all in Year 10
Mrs Alcorn said 38 students formally sat exams. and students ranged from Grade One through to Certificate in Voice and Communication Australia (CVCA).
"A total of five Year 11 students sat their CVCA – a wonderful achievement giving them both additional ATAR points and the ability to put the post nominal C.V.C.A. after their name," she said.
"Many universities have an adjustment factor for high level AMEB achievements. These bonus point schemes for elite performers are offered by several universities. For example, the University of NSW provides 2 bonus points that are added to the students ATAR to help them gain entry into their chosen course. The Australian National University in Canberra offers 5 bonus points.
"The CVCA is a great fit for the study of law for example, as it is the study of effective communication. However, past students have pursued carers in Paramedicine, where the ability to talk with and keep a patient calm is critical. So too, others have successfully secured gap year jobs in retail as they ‘can talk to people’.
"In addition, there are many for whom English is a second language. For these students, the study of Speech and Drama can make all the difference to a successful career in Australia."
For the remainder of the year our Speech and Drama students will focus on exercises and theatre sports designed to build self-confidence and the ability to think on your feet. This includes learning to speak on an impromptu basis and to improvise.
... all those who participated in our Whole School Colour Run
To celebrate Year 12’s Final Activities Day on Wednesday, September 25, all students participated in the Whole School Colour Run at PLC Armidale - a 1.9km event with a fun and colourful twist which ends with the students being covered in coloured powder by the time they reach the finish line.
Guild Leaders collected gold coin donations in support of Anya’s Wish, which raises money to find more effective and safer treatments for osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. Anya was a student at PLC Armidale, and graduated as part of the class of 2019 but sadly passed away in 2020 after six years of fighting metastatic osteosarcoma.
Parents can still make an online donation to this worthwhile cause - https://www.ccia.org.au/event/in-memory-of-anya/home
Year 12 for all their fundraising on activities day last term
which collected more than $1200 for the Anya's Wish Foundation
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.
Senior School News
Congratulations to
....our Year 12 cohort on nearing the completion of their HSC examinations - Ad Astra ladies!!
Thailand Service Trip 2024
During the holidays some of our girls went to Thailand to participate in our annual service learning trip to the Agape Home for children at risk of HIV and the McKean Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre in Chang Mai.
At Senior School Chapel this week, participants spoke of the journey's impact on them.
Ash Sharpe
A couple of days before heading to Thailand, I thought, why did I choose to go to Thailand and give up time with my family? After the first day, I realised this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I wanted to tell you about one particular memory but couldn’t decide which one. I made too many memories to tell you just one. I will never forget the memories I made in Thailand, and I will forever treasure my friendships with the people in Thailand. Some of my favourite memories were : singing songs with the medical staff and community at McKean. Another memory is when a baby fell asleep in my arms and left a very big patch of drool on my shirt. Still, despite being tired and wishing I could fall asleep, I will treasure the moment forever and never get to experience the same feeling. And, of course, when Chloe completely stacked it on a slippery road after just talking about how slippery it was and to be careful. After a couple of days of scrubbing roads and sweating like I had never sweated before and playing with the children, it was time to say goodbye, which is one of the hardest things I've ever done because just in a few days, I hadn’t realised how special the friendships were that we made, so after few tears, we finally made it back to Australia. Overall, I recommend going on this trip as you will never forget, so please sign up. I know you will love it.
Chloe Younghusband
Going to Thailand, I could never have expected the new experiences and relationships I’ve made. Of course we were told how great it was going to be but you never really know until you experience it for yourself. I can’t pick just one highlight from this trip but the people really made the 9 hour flight worth it. I made so many friends while I was there and I know all the other girls did too. I love how we could help these people and how welcoming they were for us to come into their lives. I loved all the things we could help out with but also the lifestyle of thailand and how different but the same it was to my life. They were all so happy with their lives and it has made me appreciate the things I have in my life.
Ella Jenkins
When all of the older girls that went to Thailand last year told me that they were going back for their gap year, I have to admit I was quite surprised. But now that I have actually been able to experience everything and meet all of the kids at Agape, I am definitely going to be doing the same. This experience has changed my life in so many ways and helped me realise that there are so many things I could do to make a change, even if they are small things. I had so many highlights on this trip but I'd have to say my favourite was when we went to a Mookata restaurant because I tried many new foods that I cooked with the kids, one including a snail topped in some sort of really spicy sauce that I thought was pesto. I also made a few very close friends, one that I have stayed in contact with which is really good to be able to stay connected with some of those kids. Another highlight would have been just seeing all of the kids smiling faces around Agape, it was really uplifting to see that they stayed so positive through everything. Overall, my Thailand experience was a 10 out of 10. It has changed my view on life itself, and I am definitely going to go back for my gap year!!
Emily Blake
1 Peter 4:10 says 'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace…”
Thailand this year was a reminder of this. While in Thailand we served those who were in need. At Mckean Rehabilitation Centre we supported them in the flood clean up, scrubbing away mud that had appeared when the water lowered. At Agape we cleaned their volleyball court and bathrooms, but were also able to serve the people by connecting with them, showing the people how much we care.
It wasn’t just the opportunity that we were given to serve that struck me. Everywhere, there were people serving others. At Lanna there are people who support those who don’t have the basic human needs like clean water. On our third day at McKean, many people who had been working hard all week, serving others, came in on their day off to scrub the road with us. Our time at Agape struck me the hardest, yes there are people there serving the children who don’t have much, but what I noticed was the way that the children served us. We went to a place called Mookata with the kids, and the Thai girls and boys immediately started cooking for us. They were serving us when we had brought them to this dinner to serve them. There were constant moments where the kids who didn't have much gave what they had to us.
Thailand was incredible and I strongly encourage any younger girl with the opportunity to go to take that opportunity to serve in Thailand.
Poppy McLaren
I certainly have and I'm sure you have too, people described something as incredible, unique and life-changing, before I went on Thailand trip I thought that when people used those words I would immediately annoy me, I don’t know why it just would. Now I am one of those people describing the most amazing and fulfilling trip using those words and im telling you now that they don’t even cover the experience. I’m not even going to attempt my favourite part of the trip because I loved almost every second. Instead I will tell of the connections I made to all of the girls and teachers that came with us. The connections we made was definitely one of my favourite parts and without the Thailand trip I still wouldn’t know some of you like I do now. Finally I would just like to say a massive thank you to PLC for giving me this opportunity and Ms. Leahy for being so organised and getting us to the places we needed to be. Thank you and I highly recommend this trip.
Jess MacMahon
Thailand highlights:
Agape -Scrubbing pool bathrooms; Meeting all the kids; Activities and games (especially on the Saturday); Preschoolers (songs and stations); Swimming; Volleyball; Chalk, Uno ( very interesting rules) & Bracelet Making; Communicating (or trying to) with the kids; Seeing the impact it had all round (on us as group and individually and on them, even though for a short while) Swimming, Sunisa, Kingtong & Dwunkamon
Extra little activities - Foot massage, Markets, Trying new food, Mango Smoothies, Mangosteens & Rambutans, Speaking Thai, Temple Visit, McKean Museum, BIGC trips, Lunch with Heather x 2, Lanna - so inspiring and perfectly timed for Debi.
I had a wonderful time on the recent Thailand trip and definitely came back with many stories. I don't have many highlights as the whole trip was one big highlight the whole time! Even the flights and airports I found interesting! Although I do have a few moments that made our trip extra special for me. One of these was every moment we spent at Agape! (list above). The extra little activities we were also able to do also added to the fun (list above). I found the Thailand trip to be so inspiring to me as I was able to see first hand the work that people do through God and how you really can just change the world with one vision (Dr McKean). I recommend everyone to apply, it's an amazing opportunity! Thank you!!
Navita Maher
My experience in Thailand was nothing short of amazing. The warmth of the people, the delicious food, and the sense of love shared throughout the journey made it incredibly fun. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Agape and meeting all the children that just radiated with joy and warmth. It was so refreshing to see how much they cherished the simple moments like just laughing and playing together and were so open and accepting to us, making us feel like family from almost the very second we walked in. If I had the opportunity to go back, I would take it in a heartbeat and would highly recommend everyone to apply next year. Seeing n such a different side of life and immersing yourself in it is really a great learning opportunity, and meeting all these incredible people who set up and work in organisations like Agape, McKean, and Lanna is quite inspirational and honestly life-changing.
Jade Foster
The Thailand Service learning trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Although it was quite hard and there were a few tears shed along the way, nothing beats the smiles on all the faces we came across. One of my high lights is definitely the kids at Agape. They were so full of life and energy that after about an hour of pushing one of my little friends around on a toy scooter, I was sweating in ways I didn’t know were possible. All the kids were so grateful for everything they just wanted to play. Another thing I am super duper grateful for was the cooking class we went to. Although our location had changed due to the floods, I think it worked out better than I could have imagined. I am usually a very nervous person when it comes to cooking but our lovely instructor was so comforting, she taught me to use my gut to measure things and how “big happys” and “little happys” are the best way to measure. Navita and I had the pleasure of making desert for everyone at the cooking class, we made mango sticky rice. I don’t think Ill ever forget the gorgeous faces on the little kids to the amazing food we got to enjoy. Thailand was truly one of the best things ever.
Issy
The Thailand service learning trip, for me, was an incredible experience. I went into it really hesitant, I was expecting it to be a lot of hard work and a lot of sweat but after we actually finished scrubbing at McKean and were able to look at all of the progress we had made, I realised that whilst it was hard work, we were making some people's lives so much better. The people of Thailand were another highlight of mine, just knowing how much less they had in comparison to us, yet I don’t think I saw one unhappy person on my trip. It was a truly humbling yet beautiful experience and I wish that everyone could experience something like it just once in their lives.
Bridie O’Neill
Before I went to Thailand, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The thought of a 9-hour plane ride, stepping into a different culture, and facing so much uncertainty left me feeling a little overwhelmed. But as soon as we arrived and got some much- needed rest, I was ready to dive in.
What surprised me the most was the people. It’s hard to put into words how much of an impact they had on me, especially the kids at Agape. They taught me lessons that I’ll carry for the rest of my life—whether it was their incredible optimism, generosity, or perseverance despite challenges we could hardly imagine. Each child had a unique story, but together they formed a family, like brothers and sisters. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us into that family, treating us like their sisters too.
Another unforgettable part of the trip was meeting the people who run these incredible organisations. Seeing how they dedicate their lives to living out their Christian faith and serving others was inspiring. It made me think deeply about what It means to live a life of purpose.
The hardest part of the trip was learning to say goodbye. Even though I hope to see them again someday, it’s tough knowing that while they continue their daily lives over there, we come back here—back to our routines, as wonderful as they are.
Looking back, I realise that this experience in Thailand has given me so much perspective. It’s helped me stay motivated as I approach my final year of school and deepened my understanding of what it means to connect with others, no matter how different our backgrounds might be. The lessons I learned there—about resilience, kindness, and faith—are ones I’ll carry with me moving forward.
Year 9 ESJ begins....
This weekend, our Explore Serve Journey program will begin at the Hilton Boarding House base for all our Yera9 girls.
During the next 28 days, the girls will live in community, serve our local community, go whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, rogaining, and solo camping.
Contact with anyone outside the group is limited during this time, but look out for our social media posts to follow their adventures.
And if you buy the Dec/Jan issue of RMWilliams OUTBACKMagazine, you will find a two-page feature on our ESJ program.
Duke of Edinburgh Catch Up
During the holidays our Outdoor Education leader Ms Amanda Burney took some of our Year 10 girls on a four-day off-track adventure in the Nandewar Ranges exploring some hard-to-get-to far-off places in Mt Kaputar National Park . Dramatic land formations rise from the volcanic plateau, making for an incredible journey and spectacular sunrises.
Senior School Experience Day
On Monday, we welcomed more than 50 girls into Senior School to get a glimpse of the Humanities and CAPA subjects and life in Year 7.
Calling all Class of 2024 families
If you would like to buy a paver to commemorate your daughters time at PLC Armidale we are now taking orders .
Pavers can be purchased at any time via the form HERE.
The PLC Armidale commemorative paver project is a tax-deductible fundraiser to assist the College in providing scholarships. The cost for each paver is $200.
Owing to the engraving process, character space is limited on each brick, but if you have more to say than fits on one paver, the message can be written across two with a decorative frame around both. See below
2024 Valedictory Service
see our photo gallery and a complete list of prize winners on the Parent Portal HERE
Congratulations to our Purkiss Cup recipient - 2024 Dux -Scarlett Loxley
2024 Valedictory Dinner
Junior School News
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
Congratulations to all our Junior School Assembly Award recipients
You can find a gallery of our Term 4 Junior School Award winners HERE on our Parent Portal
Junior School Representative Council fundraisers
Icy Poles will be sold during lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays for just $1 each this term.
It’s a great way for the students to cool off and enjoy a treat while raising money.
Our popular Pizza Friday fundraiser will also continue until further notice. Available pizza options include Ham and Cheese, Hawaiian, Meatlovers, and Vegetarian, with slices priced at $2.50 each. Please remember to send your child's money and order to their class teacher on Friday mornings.
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing the students enjoy these fun activities!
Pre-K and Kindergarten Playdate
This week, some families explored the Kindergarten Advantage at PLC Armidale and learn more about the significance of the foundation years of learning. As one of a small group of schools in the New England region (and the only one in Armidale) to be test users for three years of the new NSW Infant School curriculum implemented this year, our Head of Junior School, Mrs Fiona Wake, is uniquely placed to advise you on what to expect in kindergarten in 2025.
There was an information session and morning tea for parents while the 2025 Kindergarten girls join our kindergarten class and enjoyed a morning tea playdate with our 2025 Pre-K girls. We also had some new 2025 Pre-K familes as well.
Boarding Life
Class of 2024 Boarders Dinner
Boarders at Year 12 Formal
See all photos for the term (including our Boarders farewell dinner) in our
Creative and Performing Arts News
Congratulations to….
Ella Jenkins
for her nearly sold out show ‘3 Generations’ exhibition which opened at Walcha Gallery on Friday, 18 October. The exhibition included Ella, her mum Paula and Ella’s grandmother ( Paula's mum) Margie Baillie.
A group of PLC Armidale Year 10 girls attended to support their 'sister'.
For this exhibition Ella predominately painted in gouache on paper and had 14 artworks included in the show. Her theme was ‘inside out’ where she explored the passage between interior and exterior worlds. These paintings are based from photo’s that Ella had taken and then manipulated through the paintings.
Music News
Our InHouse Concert was another wonderful showcase of our girls' talent, with performances from Year 1 through to Year 11 - including a rendition of 'Click Go the Shears ' on the Luiqin!! You can find all the photos on our Parent Portal HERE
Sport News
Congratulations to ....
... our Junior and Senior Representative Independent Girls School Association (igsa) Netball teams,
who both won their 2024 grand finals at Homebush Olympic Stadium in Sydney - the first time in more than a decade that all our netball teams have had a clean sweep in the igsa Grand Finals.
Both teams have been nominated for FM100.3 FM Sport's Team of the Year, and featured on FM 100.3 for a week in September.
The awards will be held on November 14 at the Armidale Bowling Club.
our Year 9 student Trista Dorrian,
who has been declared the most improved tennis player in the North West region in 2024 for her commitment to training, her selection in the Bluewall Training days in Homebush (Sydney), her selection in multiple State League events throughout the year, her selection to represent Northwest in the Queensland teams event in December and her consistent success at multiple tennis tournaments both local and coastal which have seen her rise through the ranks during the past 12 months.
During the break, Trisa also played some great tennis, winning the U16's Girls Singles, B Grade Women's Doubles, and A Grade Mixed Doubles at the Forster 03k J125 Open and Junior Tournament.
In Gunnedah at the OC JC Northwest Championships, she was knocked out in the Division 1 Open Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals and beaten in the Division 1 Open Women's Singles Final but bounced back to win the Division 2 Singles.
Trista has also been selected to apply for a position in the NIAS Future Stars Program.
our Year 9 student, Lillian Meredith,
who completed at the Australian Stock Horse Youth National Show held in Geurie NSW during Week 1 of the school holidays. Lilly had a wonderful show coming home with some great results: 1st handler; Championship handler; 2nd Ashla; 4th working; 4th hack; 4th dressage; Challenge winner; Sporting; 1st barrel; 1st bend (fastest time of the day); 1st bonfield (fastest time of the day); 5th flag; Hi point 15-18
During the second week of the holidays Lilly attended the Walcha Pony Camp with Meridian Gunman competing in all different disciplines, and came home with: 1st camp draft; 1st C grade jump; 1st dressage; 1st challenge; 1st hack; 1st rider; 1st pairs; 1st barbackage; champion rider on the flat after a 3 way ride off; 1st bend; 1st barrel; 2nd mug; 1st flag; and 15-17 age champion
Save the Date
Our 2024 Celebration of Sport will be on Friday, November 29, and our guest speaker will be Australian High Jumping champion Nicola Lauren Olyslagers.
Nicola won the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics and the bronze medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in the high jump. Olyslagers is the current high jump Oceanian record holder, and the world champion at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
More details will be sent soon.
School Holiday News
During the holidays Elise Tisserand (Year 9) attended a rhythmic gymnastics workshop in Sydney that was led by Australian Olympian Alex Eedle. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with a gymnast of this calibre. Elise is thankful to Armidale City Gymnastics Club for this opportunity.
Sporting Commitments Reminder
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.
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.
Health News
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
It’s hard to believe we are already in term 4!
Our final meeting for the year is coming up, so please join us if you can.
Details as follows:
Date: Wednesday 30 th October, 2024.
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
Stay tuned for information from your liaison parent about how you can be involved this term, especially with Guild Drama! Also, if you are curious about the role of liaison parent for 2025, please get in touch for more information!
Thanks for your support in 2024! And thank you to everyone who helped with our working bees for our Signature Art Prize Exhibition.
We value your ideas and contributions - if you would like to raise anything in AOB please get in touch at
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
Winter Green Tartan - out now!
Our dynamic Old Girls Union Committee is publishing a seasonal edition of Green Tartan you can find the winter issue HERE
We enjoyed hosting our Old Girls recently for their annual reunion weekend and Annual General Meeting.
One of the highlights of the weekend was reuniting our Class of '94 alumna Brooke Engledow with one of her Year 12 major works - she is delighted it is still on hanging in our corridor and would love us to keep it.
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
General News
PLC Armidale Uniform Shop
Our shop operating hours remain the same, and purchases can be made online or in person.
You can pay online or over the phone if you cannot get into the shop in person.
Online store at https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/stores
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
The Dec/Jan issue of RM William's Outback Magazine will feature our ESJ program.