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Lion's Roar Newsletter
As the 2025 Academic Year draws to a close, the aptness of this year's theme, ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow..” has been affirmed in our end of year events ...
As the 2025 Academic Year draws to a close, the aptness of this year's theme, ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow..” has been affirmed in our end of year events ...
From Celebration Dinners to the String Soiree, PreKinder Nativity, Junior School Time to Shine, and our annual celebration of Sport at PLC Armidale, PLC Armidale girls have shown growth in skill, competency but most of all character.
The importance of character is reinforced by our College values, humility, integrity, respect and self-discipline. Character is formed by what we believe and how we think. How we think determines how we speak, act and make decisions.
As the introduction of a world first ban on social media accounts for under 16 year olds is introduced in Australia, there is much speculation about how this will work.
During the week I was interviewed by a statewide newspaper for my opinion about the approach a particular social media platform had announced it would take to comply with the legislation.
In my response I indicated that the ban or similar was a long time coming as a growing body of research emerges of harm to the developing brain of children and young adolescents linked to unmoderated screen and social media use especially.
An increase in anxiety, disrupted sleep, reduced attention span, and the rising tide of loneliness among adolescents are some of the findings
Of concern also is ...
Continue reading here ...
Continue reading here ...
... the inability or unwillingness of the social media platforms to reinforce the current age restrictions they each have. Generally a minimum age of 13 has been the requirement yet many children under 13 have held social media accounts for some time. The proposed new verification methods including bank-linked and photo identification creates a potential privacy and security risk which parents also should be aware of.
As a school dedicated to the wellbeing and holistic development of girls, this national conversation is timely. PLC Armidale has prioritised a culture of learning which cultivates focus, connection and calm. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are considering strengthening restrictions on smartphones and personal devices from the Junior School through to the end of Stage 5, along with clearer, more intentional guidelines for technology use across the College.
Our approach is not about removing technology for its own sake; rather, it is about creating an environment in which girls flourish. From the earliest of learners to our more senior students, growth and strength of character is as much a part of the learning journey at PLC Armidale alongside the explicit NESA curricula. Restrictions on technology access and use is ineffective if not accompanied by a virtues and values rich education strengthening the girls ability to act with integrity, make wise choices and encourage their peers to do likewise.
Our overarching aim is simple, to give girls the freedom to grow, learn and flourish without the noise and pressure of a digital and social-media dependent culture. We look forward to sharing further information as our College "acceptable technology use” guidelines evolve to meet the needs of our students.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as together we seek to raise young women of character to lead lives of significance.
That's a wrap for 2025
That's a wrap for 2025
This is our last Lion's Roar newsletter for 2025; however, following all our Senior School end-of-year celebrations this week, we will email out a summary of both Senior and Junior School final events with links to all the photo galleries.
Thank you to all those parents and teachers who have sent us news this past year, and we look forward to more updates on your holiday news and the achievements of our girls in 2026.
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
...everyone involved in our Signature Summer Fair
...everyone involved in our Signature Summer Fair
Thank you to everyone who attended and to all the parents, staff and girls who worked so hard and donated to make this day the success it was. Funds are still to be tallied and reconciled against expenses, but it looks like around $15,000 has been raised.
...our successful 2025 Gondwana Camp girls
...our successful 2025 Gondwana Camp girls
The following girls have been selected for the Gondwana Choral Camp in January. This year, we had seven girls from the Junior school audition, and all were accepted into Gondwana Novus!!
Zoe Yuan (Yr4), Lydia Yuan (Yr5); Lucinda Jacometti (Yr5), April Ferguson (Yr5), Shiloni Katta (Yr5), Evelyn Nizik (Yr5), Ellie Cooper (Yr4)
This year, we had 11 girls audition in the Senior School, and 8 girls were accepted. They are: Annabella Wysel (Yr7), Edie Clynch (Yr8), Elise Tisserand (Yr 10), Binudi Vithana(Yr11), Jade Foster(Yr11), India Smith (yr11), Arlie Bragg(Yr11), Teya Catterall (Yr11)
This is incredibly exciting for these ladies, especially as five of these girls had never auditioned before.
Established by Lyn Williams OAM in 1997, Gondwana Choirs is the leader in Australian choral performance for talented young choristers. Its annual National Choral School offers an intensive residential two-week camp for choristers aged 10-26 years to participate in rehearsals, performances and workshops with leading choral conductors, composers and singers.
...our 2026 Head Prefect Molly Chard
...our 2026 Head Prefect Molly Chard
who was outstanding at the Lions Youth of the Year Quest and won both the Public Speaking and Lion's Youth of the Year Awards.Molly will now go on to compete at the district level in February.
our Year 12 students, Daisy Donaldson and Sophie Hardin
our Year 12 students, Daisy Donaldson and Sophie Hardin
who have both been INCLUDED in the 2026 ARTEXPRESS touring exhibition of the 50 best 2025 HSC Visual Art major works selected from more than 8,000 across NSW.
You can see these outstanding works in all their phenomenally rendered glory at the following venues next year: Art Gallery of NSW- 4 February to 26 April; Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Gymea - 9 February to 12 April; Maitland Regional Art Gallery -21 February to 19 April; Broken Hill City Art Gallery - 1 May to 26 July; Glasshouse Regional Gallery, Port Macquarie - 9 May to 19 July; Wagga Wagga Art Gallery - 23 May to 26 July; Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo - 15 August to 4 October; Bondi Pavilion Gallery - 24 August to 24 October and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery - 28 August to 18 October.
...Tiko Lay Class of 2025
...Tiko Lay Class of 2025
who has been selected for the 2025 HSC ENCORE Concert - a showcase of outstanding major works by NSW HSC Music students being held at the Sydney Opera House in March. Tiko's composition for flute and four voices, 'Lessons from Birds', was inspired by and dedicated to the late Jan Patterson, who taught at our College for many years. "The lyrics are from her favourite Australian poet, Judith Wright," Tiko said. "Jan had a passion for birds, and this piece was inspired by both Jan and the sounds of native birds, which I recorded around the area." The piece is performed by Tiko on flute with fellow students Mem Lay, Teya Catterall, Arlie Bragg and India Smith on voice and our Director of Music, Mr Matthew Minter, on piano.
... India Smith in year 12 who has been selected for the Australian Youth Orchestra
... India Smith in year 12 who has been selected for the Australian Youth Orchestra
Acceptance into the Australian Youth Orchestra's National Music camp is a great honour. PLC Armidale only has one or two students a decade. The last student with this honour was Isla Biffien. This orchestra is the training ground for the finest young musicians in the nation, mostly tertiary level Music students and emerging professionals. This places India as one of the finest young violinists in Australia. India has been accepted into a Bachelor of Music Performance for violin at the University of Queensland.
... Bridie O'Neill who was selected for Reserve.
... Bridie O'Neill who was selected for Reserve.
... Arlie Bragg who has been accepted into the Bachelor of Theatre Music for voice at the NSW Conservatorium of Music
... Arlie Bragg who has been accepted into the Bachelor of Theatre Music for voice at the NSW Conservatorium of Music
...Trista Dorrian in Year 10
...Trista Dorrian in Year 10
who won the Tennis NSW invitation-only 2025 NSW Champion of Champions U16s Title in Sydney. Incredibly, to achieve this, Trista had to play four games in one day from 9.30am until 7pm as the first half of the three-day tournament was washed out!!! Winning this tough elite competition has been one of the goals of Trista and her coach this year, and we are so proud to see this determination and hard work pay off. Ad Astra Trista!
...our Division One winning representative IGSA Junior Hockey Team,
...our Division One winning representative IGSA Junior Hockey Team,
who won the Armidale Regional Sports Council 2025 Junior Team State Award
P&F News
P&F News
Guild Drama
Guild Drama
As usual, P&F will be providing refreshments at our Guild Drama. Due to the Summer Fair and donations from parents, we will not be asking for baked goods this year.
P&F will be providing:
Sausages, chips, onigiri, chocolates and soft drinks for $2
Juice, popcorn, Zooper Doopers for $1
Farewell
Farewell
I wanted to let everyone know that I’ll be stepping down from my role as P&F President- the position is now open for someone new to take it on!
A big thank you to our 2025 liaison parents, and a warm welcome to the new ones joining us in 2026. We really appreciate your willingness to put your hands up.
And thank you to everyone who has supported the P&F during my time in the role. Our college community thrives when many people pitch in, and I’m grateful for all the help and teamwork along the way. A strong group of rotating volunteers ensures the P&F continues to grow.
Sarah Yassine
Sarah Yassine
President
President
PLC Armidale P&F Association
PLC Armidale P&F Association
Our Life Saving and Community Service programs are running until this Wednesday.
Our Life Saving and Community Service programs are running until this Wednesday.
Thank you and congratulations to our K-2 choir for performing at Ken Thompson Lodge last week and thank you also to our Year 6 and Year 7 students for performing at the Ken Thompson Lodge this week and at the McMaugh Gardens Retirement Home in Uralla.
Thank you and congratulations to our K-2 choir for performing at Ken Thompson Lodge last week and thank you also to our Year 6 and Year 7 students for performing at the Ken Thompson Lodge this week and at the McMaugh Gardens Retirement Home in Uralla.
Senior Girls help with our Junior Girls Lifesaving sessions
Senior Girls help with our Junior Girls Lifesaving sessions
Senior School News
Senior School News
Mrs Kate Clynch
Head of Senior School
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
2025 ICAS Competitions - Results
2025 ICAS Competitions - Results
ICAS Assessments were conducted in August this year, and we received some impressive results and feedback from a number of the different ICAS Competitions. These International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are independent skills-based assessments with a competition element. Commonly referred to as the UNSW tests, these ICAS tests are unique, being the most comprehensive generally available suite of academic assessments and school tests for primary and secondary school students.
While all students who participated in these competitions receive certificates and feedback on their performance, the following results are of particular note:
High Distinction: Georgina Arundale-Fuller (Yr7) - English
Distinction: Harriet Minter (Yr8) - Writing; Rebe Cunningham (Yr11) - Writing; Binudi Vithana (Yr11) - English & Writing.
Credit: Olivia Barnes (7) - Digital Technology, English, Mathematics, Science; Lucie Stephen (7) - Mathematics; Georgina Arundale-Fuller (7) - Science, Writing; Harriet Minter (8) - English; Emily Adams (11) - English, Science; Rebe Cunningham (11) - English; Binudi Vithana (11) - Mathematics, Science
Congratulations to all of these students on their effort and achievement in the 2025 ICAS Competitions.
Congratulations to all of these students on their effort and achievement in the 2025 ICAS Competitions.
Stage 4 Discovery Day at UNE
Stage 4 Discovery Day at UNE
Special Interest Program (SIP)
Special Interest Program (SIP)
From the Beyond the Scope Team
From the Beyond the Scope Team
Special Interest Project (SIP) is a weekly program where students from Years 7 to 10 gather for the last two periods on Wednesday to explore their interests in mixed-age groups. At the beginning of the semester students select their preferred focus area and join one of six creative and collaborative teams: Community Canvas, Tech Crew, AgriTech Innovators, Sound Studio, Beyond the Scope, or Tournament of the Minds. SIP aims to promote hands-on learning while building strong connections among different year levels. It fosters teamwork, creativity, and shared experiences. As the term draws to a close, The Scope SIP Team decided to interview all of the other SIP teams to get feedback about how the program has run this semester. We created a set of questions about people's experiences in their individual SIPs (Community Canvas, Tournament of the Minds, Sound Studio, AgriTech Innovators, and The Tech Crew). We also interviewed the teachers running each SIP - Mrs Schaeffer for Community Canvas, Mrs Shumack for Tournament of the Minds, Mr Minter for Sound Studio, Ms Looker for AgriTech Innovators, and Mr Estreich for The Tech Crew. Our article will be talking about the different SIPs and about our interviews with students and teachers. It is also a good example of the writing and publishing skills we have been learning with Mrs Clynch in our own Beyond the Kaleidoscope SIP group this semester!
Read more here...
Read more here...
The Scope
The Scope
'The Scope' is a magazine published twice a year, which is completely student-directed and designed. In our SIP, 'Beyond the Kaleidoscope', this semester we have looked at past magazines from over the years and assessed parts of it that worked well and parts that might need improving. We then made a small mini edition of the magazine to be published as part of The Scope magazine called 'The Snow Issue'. We designed games, pranks in the snow, snow food and fashion, factual reports, short stories and films, artworks, photos, poems and much more. The best part was designing 'The Snow Issue' and having fun with writing different games. We also looked into the history of Guild Drama and interviewed the leaders of this year's Guild Drama, with that information we submitted some articles into The Lion's Roar (the school's newsletter). The final product was submitting articles of Guild Drama into the Lions Roar and also publishing The Snow Issue magazine. A really great part about our SIP was working together and forming bonds with girls from other year groups. Throughout SIP this semester we have learnt how to write in a range of styles and design a magazine, how to interview people with effective questions, and how to write reports. In doing all this we also learnt a lot about snow and Guild Drama!
Our first interview was with the girls who have been doing Tournament of the Minds – we asked them about what they have been working on and what they have been able to take away from the experience. One of the questions we asked was: What has been the most enjoyable part of your SIP project? Interestingly the Year 7 group answered that "The most enjoyable part was probably filming and also just being able to work together – also being able to create our own story." Their outlook was very positive and considerate of others, a prominent theme in the data of our interviews. We then asked about what this group has taught them, and they said, "How to collaborate as a team and combine our ideas, rather than trying to make it just your own ideas." The Year 9 girls in the Tournament of the Minds loved preparing for the Tournament of the Minds competition, and had fantastic results, and even made it to the State Final in Sydney.
Then we moved on to Community Canvas where they have been adding new visual additions into the Senior School. A highlight question was: What is one highlight of this semester of your SIP? "One of my highlights is Mrs Schaeffer's encouragement" – Charli Milton. It's really good to see teachers being a positive memory for their students. We also asked about what they've learned from the classes and Rosie and Charli answered: "Probably just getting in and having a go, the little things in our art can really have an impact on people's day." Their artwork spreads kindness, hope, faith and awareness. We are definitely very excited to see their work make its debut.
Moving on to our Sound Studio where girls have worked hard to compose, create and perform. Edie, Hansali and Harriet gave us an awesome insight into what their work has looked like over the semester. When asked about what they have worked on, they told us that: "We're writing a piece for violin, oboe and cello," which they actually got to perform at the String Soiree on Tuesday. However, we also wanted to know about what other students have done, and they answered: "There's been individual compositions which they recorded, also some music videos being created." It is great to see that all kinds of music are celebrated in this group.
Following this, we got to hear from the AgriTech Innovators and all they've learned about modern technology in agriculture. The girls we interviewed said they have been "looking at different technologies in modern agriculture and how AI has changed some functions of the technologies. And also how it has evolved over time". This group has enjoyed the blend of theory and practical work in this SIP, and have especially loved their Shark Tank Project. Year 10 student Annie said, "I like having all the different years and getting to know other people who are also interested in my interests."
Overall, across the groups, SIP is a successful and valued part of the PLC experience, a great result for the first year it's been done. Girls across senior school get to engage and learn more about each other rather than just being secluded in our stages. This further develops the strong sense of community and sisterhood throughout the college and will definitely be a feature we try to uphold. To improve SIP even more, many answers suggest we could introduce a more practical element to groups for extra engagement. We are sure all of the girls have been very grateful to have this opportunity every Wednesday.
Year 10 Fundraiser for Allowah Children's Hospital
Year 10 Fundraiser for Allowah Children's Hospital
PLC Armidale Pockets - 2025
PLC Armidale Pockets - 2025
A PLC Armidale 'pocket' refers to embroidery on the blazer pocket that recognises students’ achievements throughout the year across four key pillars: Academic Endeavour; Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) ; Sport and Leadership and Service.
Each pillar has four levels of attainment: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Outright Gold Star, allowing students’ accomplishments to be displayed in a practical and lasting way on their uniform.
Pocket awards are announced as part of Speech Day, and the confirmation letter will be in your daughter's 2025 academic completion folder.
Remember your time at PLC Armidale
Remember your time at PLC Armidale
During your years at PLC Armidale, you will have walked the path of named bricks in the Rose Garden around the flagpole, and wondered who all those names were? Now, as a graduate of the College, you have the opportunity to have your own special paver.
The commemorative paver project was established by the PLC Armidale Foundation as a fundraiser with tax deductibility to assist the College with building and maintenance initiatives.
In purchasing a paver, you leave a lasting legacy of your years at PLC Armidale, whilst providing a practical pathway of interest.
Pavers are $200 each including engraving and installation and you can order them HERE
Sport News
Sport News
Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Head of Sport
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
...all the award recipients and everyone involved in our Celebration of Sport. See all the photos and the winners HERE
...all the award recipients and everyone involved in our Celebration of Sport. See all the photos and the winners HERE
...Lily Donaldson who played in the Hockey New England Under 16 Girls team at the State Indoor Hockey Championships this weekend in Orange. After a tough pool round with 3 losses and 1 strong win, the girls made it 7th place.
Boarding News
Boarding News
Sam Jacometti and Margaret Latham
Heads of Boarding
See you next year ...
See you next year ...
As we reach the final newsletter of the year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire boarding community—students, families, and staff—for making this such a positive, memorable, and successful year. Your support and contribution to our boarding culture has been truly appreciated.
We also warmly welcome back our Year 9 boarders following their month-long ESJ programme. From all reports, the experience was both enriching and rewarding, and it’s wonderful to see the group reunited and settling back into boarding life.
The boarding house is looking especially festive at the moment, with Christmas decorations bringing plenty of colour and cheer to our shared spaces. Thank you to the students and staff who helped create such a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone at the Boarders’ Christmas Party on Thursday evening. If you haven’t already, please ensure you have purchased your ticket so you don’t miss out on this special end-of-year event.
Finally, please remember to add the Term 1 start date to your calendar. The boarding house will reopen from 2:00pm on Tuesday, 27 January, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another fantastic year ahead.
Wishing all our boarders and families a joyful Christmas and restful summer break.
Wishing all our boarders and families a joyful Christmas and restful summer break.
CAPA News
CAPA News
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols – Wednesday 3 December
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols – Wednesday 3 December
On Wednesday, 3 December, PLC Armidale will hold our annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. With renovations now complete at the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph, we are pleased to return to this larger venue for the service.
Senior Choir and Bel Canto Voices will present a focused and polished programme of carols to accompany the nine Bible readings. This event is a key part of our College year, and each student’s voice is essential in filling the Cathedral.
A dress rehearsal will be held on Monday 1 December from 3:45pm to 5:30pm. PLCA buses will transport students from school to the Cathedral, with parents collecting their daughters afterwards. A return bus has been arranged for boarders. Prefects and Guild Captains are required for the first thirty minutes to rehearse the processional with their banners before being dismissed unless they are also in the Senior Choir.
For the service itself, all students involved must arrive by 5:00pm for a warm-up and a short Hallelujah Chorus rehearsal.
Dress Rehearsal
When: Monday 1 December 2025
Where: Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph
Time: 3:45–5:30pm
Wear: Full school uniform with blazers
Bring: Water bottle and afternoon tea (boarders may collect theirs from the dining hall)
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
When: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Where: Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph
Time: 6:00–7:30pm (students arrive at 5:00pm)
Wear: Full school uniform with blazers, hats and polished shoes; long hair tied back with a PLC ribbon or scrunchie
Bring: Water bottle
With the increased seating capacity at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, their is room for our families and friends . We look forward to a strong and well-supported service.
The evening promises to be another highlight of the year in Music and the Senior Choir, Bel Canto and Years 3-6 choirs have been training hard and are sounding exceptional. Thank you to our many alumni for coming and singing with us on this occasion.
HSC Nominations Across CAPA
HSC Nominations Across CAPA
This has been a standout year for the Creative and Performing Arts, with student nominations across Encore (Music), OnSTAGE (Drama) and ARTEXPRESS. (Visual Arts). These programmes recognise the highest level of HSC achievement in NSW.
We congratulate:
Tiko (Music) – selected to perform at Encore at the Sydney Opera House for outstanding performance work.
Sophie and Daisy (Visual Arts) – both selected for ARTEXPRESS, a significant acknowledgement of the quality and depth of their Bodies of Work.
These results reflect consistent effort, a high standard of teaching, and students who take their craft seriously. A well-deserved achievement for all involved.
Guild Drama
Guild Drama
Year 11 have made a strong start to the Guild Drama process. Their organisation and approach this year have been impressive. We invite the community to join us at 10:30am on Friday 5 December to support the girls as they present their work.
Junior School Music – Suzuki Achievement
Junior School Music – Suzuki Achievement
Congratulations to Amélie Wysel, who completed her Book 1 Suzuki recital this week and is already progressing strongly into Book 2. Thank you to her teacher, Sofia Debus, who will be joining PLC Armidale next year to lead our Junior Strings Program. This is an excellent development for our growing music programme.
Congratulations to all the girls who performed in the annual String Soirée
Congratulations to all the girls who performed in the annual String Soirée
The concert opened with a fabulous combined performance by the Silver and Junior Strings—an impressive, enthusiastic ensemble whose energy set a wonderful tone for the evening. Across the program, the audience was treated to a rich variety of performances, showcasing the depth of talent and commitment within the College's vibrant string program.
A special thank-you goes to our Alumni of 2025, Arlie Bragg and India Smith, who generously returned to perform the solo parts of the Handel Concerto Grosso in G as well as additional solo repertoire. Their musicianship and continued connection to the College remain an ongoing source of inspiration for our younger players.
We also warmly congratulate our soloists, Allegra May and Harriet Minter, whose performances were truly outstanding. Both students displayed exceptional technical skill, musical maturity, and poise well beyond their years. Their high level of achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and longstanding commitment to their instruments.
Throughout the program, students from our diverse chamber music ensembles—specialised groups such as the Junior String Trio, the Amici Trio, the Year Eight SIP Ensemble, and the Junior Cello Ensemble—demonstrated the collaborative spirit and musical sensitivity that make chamber music such a valuable and enriching part of their learning.
The evening was a wonderful celebration of the students’ commitment to music, their ensemble skills, and the supportive community that surrounds them. Congratulations to all involved on a very successful and memorable concert.
We also look forward to welcoming Sofia Debus to our team next year. The ongoing connection and partnership with Heartstrings Studios will continue to strengthen and enrich our string program, offering our students exciting opportunities for growth and musical development.
JAZZ BAND 2.0
JAZZ BAND 2.0
Our Speech Day this year will have two musical treats.. To help celebrate this milestone for Bel Canto, Warwick Dunham has very generously written two works for Bel Canto to sing at Speech Day and has gifted them to Bel Canto in honour of their 10th Anniversary. These two works will be premiered at Speech Day next Thursday. We are also very excited to present PLC Armidale's Jazz Band 2.0 This year our celebrated Jazz Band, made up almost entirely of Year 12 students. performed their final performances at Starry Night of Creative Arts and the Year Twelve Valedictory. We are starting from the beginning with an enthusiastic group of younger students. The girls are excited to present their first performances at the Summer Fair and Speech Day.
SUMMER FAIR:
SUMMER FAIR:
The Summer Fair featured three hours of live entertainment, including performances by The Treblemakers, our Year 11 Music 1 students, and the very first appearance of the new Jazz Band, among many others. Congratulations to all who performed, and a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful backing band: Denis Dos Santos Arikaki, Jack Cavanagh, Simon Hughes, and Warwick Dunham.
TREBLE MAKERS IN THE MALL
TREBLE MAKERS IN THE MALL
Don't miss our Junior School selective vocal ensemble Treble Makers at their performances in the Christmas in the Mall community celebration this Thursday at 5:30pm and then again at 6:30pm. Congratulations Treble Makers for being invited to perform in this exciting event.
Strings
Strings
PLC Armidale Intermediate String Quartet performed their final performance for the year at Joanna Fairs-Wu's studio concert on Tuesday afternoon. Congratulations girls on your progress and accomplishments as an ensemble this year and thank you to Joanna for your guidance and leadership of the group.
Pathways News
Pathways News
Mrs Kirsten Hey
Head of Pathways
Chinese Banquet for special guests at the Minter farm.
Chinese Banquet for special guests at the Minter farm.
On Saturday evening, our 2025 Pathways class and their teachers were treated to a special experience of Australian life on the farm and then a magnificent, Chinese banquet cooked by PLCA Junior School parents Eric Yuan (Lydia and Zoe's dad) his wife Stephanie and Wei Xu (Jacinta and Orillas dad) and his wife Rebecca Sun.
It was a wonderful PLC Armidale night! Treating the Pathways girls to some authentic cooking so they would feel at home, but in a bush Australian setting.
Thank you to the Minter family, the Yuan family and the Xu family for making our Pathways girls feel so cared for.
The Dragon Keepers
The Dragon Keepers
This term in Pathways, we have been studying the novel "Dragonkeeper" by Carole Wilkinson, an Australian woman who was passionate about Chinese culture. As we followed the journey of Ping and Danzi through ancient China, we compared this to our own journeys through life: the decisions we make, the troubles we face, and the friends we have to support us along the way. As part of their assessment, students demonstrated their impressive artistic talent by creating some beautiful maps and comic strips to show Ping and Danzi's story. They also wrote a range of different text types, including short stories to complement the main plotline of the book.
Health News
Health News
Year 7 and Year 10 students will be offered school-based vaccinations as part of the 2026 NSW School Vaccination Program.
Year 7 and Year 10 students will be offered school-based vaccinations as part of the 2026 NSW School Vaccination Program.
Year 7: HPV (Gardasil 9) – 1 dose and dTpa (Boostrix) – 1 dose
Year 10: Meningococcal ACWY (MenQuadfi) – 1 dose
Vaccinations will take place during school hours at PLC on 19/02/2026.
Vaccinations will take place during school hours at PLC on 19/02/2026.
A link to the online consent form will be sent to parents/carers at the beginning of Term 1, 2026.
f you have any questions or require further information, please contact the School Nurse.
f you have any questions or require further information, please contact the School Nurse.
EDUMATE MEDICAL DETAILS
EDUMATE MEDICAL DETAILS
If your daughter has an updated treatment plan, new diagnosis or medical needs, it is important that parents update the Edumate Health Conditions of your daughter to ensure that the school is providing the best care.
The Parent Portal can be access through the CONNECT page at connect.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
The Health Centre is contactable via
The Health Centre is contactable via
Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 6770 1741
Phone: 02 6770 1741
Junior School News
Junior School News
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
Trampoline Stars
Trampoline Stars
Recently, two PLC Armidale Junior School students, Jessica Putnam & Willow McKern competed in the North West Region Trampoline Championship. Armidale City Gymnastics hosted gymnasts from both Armidale and Inverell, competing in Trampoline and Tumbling skills.
Both girls showed commitment and school spirit, giving confident and polished performances throughout the event, returning feeling proud of their efforts and achievements.
Our 2026 Kindergarten Transition & Mentorship Program
Our 2026 Kindergarten Transition & Mentorship Program
‘Kinder Garden’ – Ready, Set, Grow!’ Show and Tell and Celebration
‘Kinder Garden’ – Ready, Set, Grow!’ Show and Tell and Celebration
Junior School Life Saving Skills
Junior School Life Saving Skills
PLCA Uniform Shop
PLCA Uniform Shop
Opening hours
Tuesday 8:30am to 11:30am
Thursday 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Phone: 02 6770 1703
email: plcarmidale@noone.com.au
Shop Online : https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/shop
You do not need to make an appointment but it might be helpful.
Appointments can be booked on the website https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/stores or scan the QR code.
Online Shopping via https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/
Or just drop in....
Fittings for summer uniforms are now available.
Fittings for summer uniforms are now available.
Fittings can be booked at: https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale
Families can also email or leave a message on the Uniform Shop phone to arrange a time that suits them best. Email plcarmidale@noone.com.au or call 6770 1703.
There are appointments available through the rest of this term.
Those who have made a fitting appointment have priority, then it's in order of who arrives.
The Uniform Shop also welcomes second-hand items brought in for sale through the shop. Items in good condition are especially sought after.
GREEN TARTAN
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
ALUMNAE NEWS
Are you interested in preserving history? We need your help!
Are you interested in preserving history? We need your help!
PLC Armidale and Hilton hold thousands of archival items—photos, Ad Astras, uniforms, letters, and more from across the decades and these items desperately need organisation and preservation.
We’re forming a small team of Archive Coordinators to help digitise and protect this collection. Training will be provided, and we have set aside some small grants to compensate some of your time.
Please consider putting your hand up, without intervention, we may lose this history and many hands make light work. Email us at oldgirls@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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
PLC Armidale Foundation
PLC Armidale Foundation
Can you make a regular financial contribution to the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund?
Can you make a regular financial contribution to the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund?
Donations will provide scholarships for the 2027 school year. In addition, gifts over $2 are tax deductible. You can also subscribe to make a small regular automatic donation which will quickly add up over the years.
The generosity of the PLC Armidale community has enabled us to maintain and provide an excellent learning environment for generations of young women.
Giving makes a real difference to every student who attends PLC Armidale now and into the future. We thank you for your continued support as we foster and build a community that stands together.
If you would like further information about the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund or know of a young girl who you believe would benefit from this opportunity, don't hesitate to call us on (02) 6770 1700 or email us at enquiries@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
A gift to the PLC Armidale Scholarship Fund will open the door for many more exceptional young women to attend PLC Armidale and be equipped to lead a life of significance.
You can make a difference by donating today.
Essential information to make the most of your library
Essential information to make the most of your library
Library Catalogue, Oliver
The library catalogue, Oliver, is available to view from Connect, or click here to view it now.
Login with your PLC username and password at the top, right of the screen to renew, reserve or review.
Junior Library days:
Junior Library days:
Pre-K: Thursdays
Kinder: Thursdays
Stage 1: Fridays
Stage 2: Tuesdays
Stage 3 Fridays
Please help your daughter make sure she has her library bag at school with her on the correct day, so she can borrow from the library during library class time. If she does not currently have a library bag, you can purchase one from the PLCA Uniform Shop.
Senior Library opening hours (Term Time only):
Senior Library opening hours (Term Time only):
Monday-Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm
Friday 8.30am-4pm
You need help finding your next read try one of these Premier Reading Challenge list for books you can borrow from the PLC libraries:
Books for students in years 3-4
Books for students in years 5-6
Books for students in years 7-9
If you would like to share a review of a book with the rest of our readers - please send it to fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
If you would like to share a review of a book with the rest of our readers - please send it to fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
General News
General News
Never miss a notifiction - download our App now
Never miss a notifiction - download our App now
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