Embedded Files
Lion's Roar Newsletter
From the Principal
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
As the 2024 academic year draws to a close, there is opportunity to reflect upon the year that has been whilst looking forward with anticipation at the signature experiences which mark completion of a year of learning for students across the College.
This final week of our regular academic program provides a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the growth, accomplishment, and community spirit that has defined 2024...
... continue reading here
... continue reading here
Our Year 9 students have completed their Explore, Serve, Journey residential program and will be welcomed back by the Senior School at Monday’s Assembly. The collective experience -whether navigating challenges, building teamwork, or engaging in community service—has been transformative. This program, commenced in 2023 has become a cornerstone of our College’s commitment to shaping young women to be courageous, compassionate, and prepared to step beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact.
The Pre-Kindergarten Nativity Chapel Service provided another highlight of the term, reminding us how early the learning journey at PLC Armidale begins. Seeing our youngest students perform with such joy and confidence was a poignant reflection of the growth and potential nurtured at each stage of the PLC experience.
In the Junior School, the Time to Shine evening was a fitting celebration of the accomplishments of our youngest students, reflected across the four pillars of the PLC Armidale experience: Academic Endeavour, the Creative & Performing Arts, Leadership & Service, and Sport & Outdoor Education. From captivating performances to inspiring displays of learning and leadership, our Junior School girls truly let their light shine. This event highlighted not only their individual talents but also the collective spirit of the learning community they are part of and the strong foundation they are building for future success.
As we turn our attention to Activities Week, the focus shifts from the regular curriculum to experiential learning. The weather looks promising for our Swimming/ Life Saving program. Social Service programs led by Class or Pastoral Care teachers will feature each day with whole school Guild Drama preparations occupying each afternoon. Activities Week is compulsory for all students to attend. Through experiences that are purposeful and memorable, students explore new interests, strengthen connections, and conclude the year in a meaningful way.
Our Year 11 students have stepped confidently into their leadership roles, with preparations for Guild Drama commencing this coming week. The 45th Guild Drama promises to uphold the tradition of displaying the creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie that thrive within Guilds across the Junior and Senior School. The Guild Leaders guiding their peers with enthusiasm and focus serves as a visible reminder of the skills and values they have developed throughout their PLC Armidale journey.
The 2024 theme Explore, Serve, Journey has been evident throughout the College this year, reinforcing the premise that quality education is dynamic, achieving goals embracing growth and incremental transformation at each step of the journey. I trust your daughters enjoy, contribute and make the most of the weeks ahead.
Congratulations
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 ...
Congratulations to ...
...everyone who was part of our Remembrance Day Service
...everyone who was part of our Remembrance Day Service
Our Whole School service on campus was respectful and moving, and a credit to our students and staff - a special thank you to our Last Post and Reveille bugle player, Sophie Young in Year 11. Lest we Forget.
our Head Prefect, Emily Blake ...
our Head Prefect, Emily Blake ...
... who competed in the 2024 Lion's Youth of the Year competition. Emily attended a round of interviews on Saturday and a public speaking dinner last night. After delivering two impromptu speeches, 'The pros and cons of the proposed changes to social media access for under 16-year-olds' and 'Imagine an animal you would like to become and why', Emily spoke passionately for 5 minutes about the need for service, citing her experiences during her two consecutive PLC Armidale trips to Thailand helping at the Agape Orphanage for children at risk of HIV/AIDS and the McKean Leprosy Hospital. Her speech was thoughtful and appropriate, and we are so proud of her exceptionally earnest and eloquent effort.
Mrs Dunham with fellow performing artists Warwick Dunham – piano, Paul Marshall – clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and Louisa Sindel-Marshall – clarinet, saxophone
... our wonderful music teacher Mrs Constance Dunham
... our wonderful music teacher Mrs Constance Dunham
who was part of the final concert in the 2024 NECOM Woolshed series at Cressbrook Woolshed. Mrs Dunham's glorious voice featured in a virtuosic repertoire concert for saxophones as well as John Harle’s gorgeous reworkings of Old English songs and Shakespearean sonnets combining classical, jazz and pop elements.
LAST CHANCE:
LAST CHANCE:
If your daughter is performing in our String Soiree event, you can still get tickets below
If your daughter is performing in our String Soiree event, you can still get tickets below
Join us for a night of amazing talent as we showcase the work of our Junior and Senior School string musicians and Senior drama ensembles while you graze on canapé platters.
Our cabaret tables are all but full downstairs, but we have opened overflow seating upstairs - please note there is no refreshment included in the overflow ticket price.
Student Leaders
Student Leaders
Lunch Orders
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
Senior School News
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
... our Senior School Math's Olympiad Senior Division participants
... our Senior School Math's Olympiad Senior Division participants
These girls took part in the 2024 Year7/8 Maths Olympiad - an extension for Stage 4 maths students.
This national competition involved meeting before school each week to tackle critical thinking maths problems before attempting a series of tough tests throughout the year.
A special congratulations to Olive McFarlane who had the highest score in the PLC Armidale team. Ad Astra girls!!!
...our Stage 4 wind players (plus Georgina Year 6, Rebe Year 10)
...our Stage 4 wind players (plus Georgina Year 6, Rebe Year 10)
who had a fabulous time at the New England Conservatorium of Music playing in a pop-up band comprised of more than 100 students from across the region. The group performed Knuckles by Paul Marshall, Going Rogue by Brian Balmages, Thor's Hammer by Patrick Russel and Jingle Bells.
our Year 8 student Darcie Finlayson ...
our Year 8 student Darcie Finlayson ...
who won third place in the recent Historical Relics Competition held at the Armidale Folk Museum with an original letter sent from France during WWII. Organised by the Armidale and District Historical Society, the inaugural competition encouraged residents to submit relics promoting Armidale's history and heritage. "Darcie's entry display cabinet was impressive, and the letter revealed actual conditions in the trenches in WWI and a gas attack- an ideal primary source for the period," said Mrs Roxanne Shumack
Year 11 will be holding a World's Greatest Shave hair cut in Junior School this week on Tuesday, 26 November.
Year 11 will be holding a World's Greatest Shave hair cut in Junior School this week on Tuesday, 26 November.
The whole cohort is supporting this cause with some girls having their cut and some running for sponsorship with others raising awareness and rallying donors.
Please show your support via our PLC Armidale donation page HERE
Find all the photos from our 2024 Year 9 Explore Serve Journey peak experience HERE
Year 9 Explore Serve Journey
Year 9 Explore Serve Journey
Our 2024 Explore Serve Journey Year 9 peak experience has come to an end. We ill have a full report in our final issue for 2024
The Dec/Jan issue of RMWilliams OUTBACKMagazine, has a two-page feature on our ESJ program.
Junior School News
Junior School News
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
... our Junior Math's Olympiad participants
... our Junior Math's Olympiad participants
These three girls took part in the 2024 Year7/8 Maths Olympiad - an extension for Stage 4 maths students.
This national competition involved meeting before school each week to tackle critical thinking maths problems before attempting a series of tough tests throughout the year. Ad Astra girls!!!
... all our Junior School Assembly Award recipients
... 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
Our Pre-K Nativity and Presentation Assembly was a wonderful way to start seasonal celebrations.
Our Pre-K Nativity and Presentation Assembly was a wonderful way to start seasonal celebrations.
Don't miss the final issue of Lion's Roar for 2024 in Week 8 for all our Junior School Time to Shine photos and award recipients
Year 6 - Principal's Morning Tea
Year 6 - Principal's Morning Tea
Our Year 6 girls attended morning tea with our College Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor, last week - the first of a series of Junior School graduation events before they finish Term 4 and embark on their Senior School education journey in 2025.
Mrs Taylor asked them to name a quality they appreciated in someone else and to share a little known fact about themselves before giving the girls an overview of our College history.
On Tuesday, 26 November, our Junior School will host Year 11's The World's Greatest Shave as part of their fundraising efforts.
To support this initiative, during recess, the Junior School girls will have the opportunity to have their hair braided for a gold coin donation. having this activity in the Junior School promises to be a fun way for our younger girls to participate while supporting their senior sister and an important cause.
We encourage all students to get involved and bring along their gold coin donations on the day.
Families can also donate via the PLC Armidale World's Greatest Shave team page HERE
Boarding Life
Boarding Life
Sam and Amy Jacometti
HEADS OF BOARDING
Festive Cheer in the Boarding House
Festive Cheer in the Boarding House
The holiday spirit has well and truly arrived at our boarding house! Last Sunday, we came together for the cherished tradition of decorating our Christmas tree. The foyer is now twinkling with lights, and oversized baubles add a magical touch to our shared spaces – all created through the collaborative efforts and laughter of our boarding family.
Our new initiative, "Beyond Borders," launched with great success this week. During dinner, Poppy and Maggie shared stories and pictures of their lives, their homes and their families. These interviews have already proven to be a wonderful way to strengthen our understanding of each other's backgrounds and cultures.
Daily life in the boarding house continues to buzz with activity. Year 10 students have moved back to the main boarding house from Austin, bringing renewed energy to our corridors. From spirited dodgeball matches in the DKC to refreshing pool visits, there's never a dull moment. Our Tuesday night table families have started up again, where girls across different year levels bond over card games and competitive rounds of Uno during dinner. We’ve had yummy hot suppers with the girls filling up puff pastry with nutella and pressing it into the pie maker.
As we approach the end of term, our calendar is brimming with festive events:
Monday 2nd December: Best Dressed Christmas and Dorm Door Decorating Competition
Thursday 5th December: Speech Day, followed by our annual Boarders Christmas Dinner BOOK HERE
Friday 6th December: Guild Drama
We're also planning a special evening bus tour to admire Armidale's Christmas lights – a magical way to embrace the festive season together.
These final weeks of term promise to be filled with celebration, reflection, and community spirit – hallmarks of our boarding house life.
Sam and Amy Jacometti
Sam and Amy Jacometti
Creative and Performing Arts News
Creative and Performing Arts News
Mrs Jo Wysel
HEAD OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS (CAPA)
Mary Poppins Readthrough and Rehearsal Updates
Mary Poppins Readthrough and Rehearsal Updates
This week, some of the cast of Mary Poppins gathered for our first readthrough of the musical. The atmosphere was wonderfully positive, with all cast members already demonstrating strong ensemble teamwork. While we missed our Year 9 cast members currently away on ESJ, we look forward to welcoming them into the rehearsal process upon their return.
Holiday Reminder for Cast Members
Holiday Reminder for Cast Members
For those with lines to learn, the holidays are the perfect time to focus on memorisation. Our goal is to have everyone "scripts down" by the time school resumes, ensuring a streamlined and dynamic rehearsal process.
Save the Date: Mary Camp
Save the Date: Mary Camp
To kick off rehearsals next term, we will hold Mary Camp on the weekend of Week 1:
Dates: Friday 31st January – Sunday 2nd February
Attendance: This is a compulsory event for all cast members, as outlined during the information night.
String Soirée – A Night to Remember
String Soirée – A Night to Remember
On Tuesday, 26 November, we invite you to enjoy a delightful evening of music and drama at the annual String Soirée.
Our string ensembles will enchant us with beautiful performances, and this year’s program also features highlights from our Drama students, including:
The Red Tree performance by Edie, Georgie, Ella, Ava, and Emma.
A Year 8 Group Devised piece by Poppy-Grace, Imogen, Issy, and Hope.
Solo performances by Lola, Rebe, and Kithmi.
String Soirée has long been a cherished event on the PLC Armidale calendar, and this year’s blend of music and drama promises to make it even more special.
All students are asked to arrive no later than 5pm for warmups and preparations
Get Ready for Guild Drama 2025!
Get Ready for Guild Drama 2025!
Guild Drama is just around the corner—a time when the arts unite the entire College in a celebration of what it means to be a PLC girl. From Kindergarten to Year 11, students come together to collaborate and create a performance centred on a shared theme.
This year’s stimulus is the intriguing quote:
“We are on the edge of adventure, don’t spoil it by asking questions!”
For Guild Drama 2025, each Guild must:
Use the quote as the stimulus for their performance.
Include the quote in their performance.
Say the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious somewhere in their performance.
Incorporate their Guild mascot in a meaningful and significant way.
We can’t wait to see the creative magic that Dixon, Wilkie, Hamlin, and Lovell bring to the stage this year!
Join us from 10:30am on Friday, December 6 !
Performance dates for Mary Poppins in 2025
Performance dates for Mary Poppins in 2025
Tuesday, June 17 - Preview; Wednesday, June 18 -Schools Matinee; Thursday, June 19 -Opening Night; Friday, June 20- Evening Performance; Saturday, June 21 -Matinee Performance; Saturday, June 21 - Closing Night Performance.
Earlier this term our Guild Drama Captains briefed their Junior School Guild sisters ahead of Activities Week and daily Guild Drama Rehearsals.
Earlier this term our Guild Drama Captains briefed their Junior School Guild sisters ahead of Activities Week and daily Guild Drama Rehearsals.
Sport News
Sport News
Congratulations to ....
Congratulations to ....
all our nominees in the recent 2024 New England Sports Awards
all our nominees in the recent 2024 New England Sports Awards
Our Junior and Senior igsa netball squads, who were both nominated for being the igsa champions for 2024; Trista Dorrian and Sophie Bailey who were both nominated for their outstanding success in tennis; Steph Blake for her stellar performance on the track in athletics; and Mia Montgomery for an exceptional year of play in both Rugby League and Rugby Union codes.
PLC Junior Representative Netball Team: Mary Ugwumba, Jasmine Deiri, Grace Kelso, Evangeline McGinness, Laura Butterworth, Emma Birnie, Isobel Macrae, Imogen Scanlon, Sophia Marchant and Holly Higgins.
PLC 1 Representative Netball Team:: Lilly Higgins, Bridie O’Neill, Daisy Sheedy, Holly Sheedie, Zoe Webb, India Smith, Matilda George, Sophie Young, Grace Paggett and Caitlin Kable.
our Year 9 student Elise Tisserand and our Year 6 student Georgina Arundale-Fuller
our Year 9 student Elise Tisserand and our Year 6 student Georgina Arundale-Fuller
who both competed at the State Rythmic Gymnastics Junior Championships in Sydney recently. Elise achieved Gold in her Hoop routine and Silver in her Ribbon routine in the Level 4 category. Georgina achieved Silver in her Club routine, Bronze in her Ball routine and was part of the Level 3 Armidale City Gymnastics RG team, which came 6th in the State !
Ticket sales must close 24 November.
Ticket sales must close 24 November.
Thanks to the generosity of our two major sponsors, Invest Blue and Roberts Morrow, along with New England Coaches, we will host an extraordinary evening featuring Australian Olympic high jump sensation Nicola Olyslagers on Friday, 29 November 2024, at the Armidale Golf Club.
As the only Australian field athlete to win medals at consecutive Olympics, Olyslagers has captured the nation's imagination. Her remarkable journey includes silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
The semi-formal event begins at 5:30pm and will include an awards presentation celebrating PLC Armidale student sporting achievements for 2024 and a charity auction supporting PLC Armidale representative athletes.
Sporting Commitments Reminder
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
Health News
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
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
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
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
P&F News
Sarah Yassine
P&F President
We value your ideas and contributions - if you would like to raise anything in AOB please get in touch at
Please bring your donations for our Guild Drama Snack Stall on the day - Friday, December 6. Ingredients to be clearly labeled.
And feel free to use your family's Guild Colour for the decoration!!!!
Which Guild will donate the most baked goods?
Thank you so much for your support.
GREEN TARTAN
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
ALUMNAE NEWS
Send us your news!
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?
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 2025, please get in touch with us at enquiries@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
General News
General News
PLC Armidale Uniform Shop - Summer Holiday Opening Times
PLC Armidale Uniform Shop - Summer Holiday Opening Times
Last Week of Summer Holidays
Last Week of Summer Holidays
Thursday, January 23 by appointment and Friday, January 24 Open 9am to 12 pm
Boarders return, and PLC Armidale 2025 Welcome Barbecue
Boarders return, and PLC Armidale 2025 Welcome Barbecue
Tuesday, January 28: open 2pm -4pm
Students First Day Back for 2025
Students First Day Back for 2025
Wednesday, January 29 open 8am-11am
Keep your children safe online
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.
Page updated
Report abuse