Lion's Roar Newsletter
Term 3 | Issue 11 2025

As we commence a new semester of learning...

Recent national reports have been published which identify concerning levels of bullying in Australian schools. While these findings are troubling, they serve to remind us of the importance of nurturing a school culture grounded in respect, empathy, and care.

At PLC Armidale, we are committed to ensuring that our community does not mirror these broader patterns. Building a culture where every student feels known, valued, and safe takes more than good intentions—it requires time, maturity, and intentional understanding. Empathy and the ability to understand the perspective of others, especially when we see things differently, is a mark of true character. And like any skill worth learning, it must be taught, modelled, and supported.

You may have read recently about the quiet breakdown between the co-founders of the software giant Atlassian. Once close friends and collaborators since their university days in Sydney, their relationship reportedly eroded over time due to a series of unresolved tensions. What began as a partnership defined by innovation and shared purpose has now ended in a complete, public and acrimonious split.

This story is sobering, not because it’s unique, but because it’s familiar...

Continue reading here ...

In families, friendships, and schools, relationships can unravel when misunderstandings or differences are ignored. Conflict is inevitable. Our natural instinct is often to avoid conflict, to hope it fades away. Conflict rarely disappears on its own. More often, it deepens. When handled with courage and care, conflict can be a catalyst for personal and collective growth rather than division.

Our staff began this term engaging with colleagues from PLC Sydney who are accredited Peacewise presenters considering a framework for responding to conflict or peacemaking that reflects our Christian values. This is not simply about resolving conflict but about restoring relationships, cultivating empathy, and strengthening our community. One of the practical tools we are exploring is the restorative conversation—a structured approach that seeks to: Listen with the goal of understanding another’s perspective; Develop empathy, even where agreement is difficult; and Find a way forward, whether through restored relationship or peaceful coexistence.

This is especially important in a digital world where “friendships” are easily made—and just as easily broken—with a click or swipe. Online interactions can give young people a false impression of what it takes to sustain real connection: time, trust, vulnerability, shared experience, and at times, repair.

That’s why we’re intentional about the experiences we provide at PLCA—opportunities where friendships can form and deepen through real-world connection. This term, those experiences include trips to Sydney for IGSA Athletics, Hockey and Netball, Stage Four ESJ experiences, along with the final term with Year 12, celebrating them as our Valedictory Class of 2025. A range of new School Improvement Projects, the launch of the Year 8 Service Learning Trip to Central Australia to complement the Year 10 and 11 Thailand Service Learning Trip, also feature this term. It is through these shared moments—on the bus, the sports field, in the classroom, in new situations—girls are invited to engage meaningfully with one another. These shared moments help build resilience, empathy, and the capacity to navigate difference.

We also extend a warm welcome to those students and families new to PLC Armidale this term and It is a delight to welcome Mr Brian Shumack (Science) and Mrs Julie Clendinning (Design Technology), who are taking up part-time teaching roles within the STEM faculty. Congratulations to Mrs Kate Fittler as she takes up the Head of STEM role and Mrs Kirsten Hey, who has been appointed as Director of Pathways. We are grateful to have such expertise within our staff to take up such important positions of leadership within the school. We look forward to the contributions they will make to the culture of learning at the College.

In a world too quick to cancel or disconnect, may we continue to model for our students the courage to engage, the grace to listen, the wisdom and courage to grow through challenge.

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.

Email us your news: communications@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

School Holiday News

If you would like to share what you have been doing during the break - please email: communications@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Lilly Meredith in Year 10 had a very busy holiday competing with her horses.

Achieving the following outstanding results:

Weengallon

2nd juvenile draft

Merriwa

3rd juvenile draft

Glowalmans Championships

Day 1: 2nd flag; 2nd bonfield bounce ; 2nd barrel; 9th bendbaraft; 5th bend ; 4th stock rider

Day 2: 2nd flag; 2nd bonfield bounce; 2nd barrel ; 7th bendbaraft; 1st bend; 1st stock rider

Day 3: Rollete- 7th bendbaraft; 9th bend; Phil 3rd Flag; 2nd Bonfield bounce; 5th bendbaraft; 2nd stock rider; Wallambah 15-17 champion; Manning 15-17 champion; Champion flag 15-17; Reserve champion barrel 15-17; Champion Bonfield bounce 15-17 and Champion Stock Rider 15-17.

Congratulations Lilly !!

Trista Dorrian in Year 10 competed in two major country championships during the break and has reached her 2025 year-end goal in just 6 months !!

See the Sports section for the full story.

The first tournament was the 2025 Open Country championships. Trista competed in four events and had some great results, making the quarter final in the U18 women’s and the semifinal in Open mixed Doubles.

The second tournament was the 2025 Age Championships. Trista competed in four events, she played very strongly. She made the Semifinals in the U18 mixed doubles, quarter finals in the U16 girls doubles, she was knocked out in the U16 in round 2. Still, she went on to win the U16 Consolation draw and the highlight was competing in the U15 Girls singles going in ranked No6 and making the Final, taking out the No5 and No1 seeded players on her way to the final. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go her way, and she finished 2 nd out of 32 competitors. Trista being a finalist at the Country Championships has been a goal of hers for many years, and this result has proven that her hard work and determination have been rewarded.

Congratulations Trista !!

Hollie Higgins, in Year 9, was spotted by Netball NSW Performance Coaches at the State Titles during the holidays

while playing with the Armidale District Netball Association (ADNA) U15S team.

Congratulations Hollie!

Allegra May in Year 5 and Phila Wang Year 4 both attended the 2025 Winter Sydney Youth Orchestra School at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music during the break.

This was Phila's second camp, but amazingly it was Allegra's 8th !!!

They are pictured here with fellow attendee Xiaoxiao from Armidale City Primary, who will join us in Year 7 in 2026.

Bridie O'Neill in Year 12 performed the cello in Europe

"Over the holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Regional Youth Orchestra on its European tour. We travelled through Austria- stopping in Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna- before heading to Germany, where we explored Berlin and Hamburg. It was an unforgettable journey, rich with music and culture.

One of the most memorable moments was performing at the Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna. This international event brings together youth ensembles from around the world, providing a platform to share music and celebrate young talent. As part of the festival, we were honoured to perform at the Musikverein, one of the most prestigious and acoustically renowned concert halls in the world.

The Regional Youth Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble made up of student musicians from across regional NSW. Each year, it offers the chance to connect with passionate, like-minded peers, tackle exciting repertoire, and grow as both a musician and a performer. I highly recommend it to anyone with a love for music- this tour was an incredible experience that I’ll treasure for a lifetime."

P&F News

Sarah Yassine

P&F President

We look forward to seeing you at our next P&F Meeting:

Date: Term 3 Week 2 Tuesday 29th July 20205

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

As always, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting.

P&F Term 3 Meeting Agenda

Reports:

President: Sarah Yassine

Treasurer: Sam Notley

Secretary: Rowena Macrae

Old Girls President: Peta Taylor

Update:

● PLC Armidale Principal – Nicola Taylor

Business arising from minutes:

LED screen quote- Sam N
Peony Fundraiser- Sam N
Welcome BBQ and timing of LP list- Sarah Y
Canteen renovation update- Tillney W
Mary Poppins refreshment bar- Tillney W and Ben C
P&F Social Media – Row M and Vanessa A
Boarding LP

General Business

● Finalising Wishlist Procedure

● Liaison Parents- some ideas for this role in the future

● Signature Fete

The date for the Whole School Signature Fete has been confirmed for Friday, 29 November.

We've already had a fantastic response, but we’d love to hear from even more of you! If you’re not quite sure how you can get involved, feel free to email us.

If you have any questions, please get in touch at pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support of our P&F.

* We are still looking for a Boarder Liason parent *

Junior School News

Mrs Fiona Wake

Head of Junior School

Ad Astra Awards

Each week in our Junior School Chapel Service we award our students for achievement in academic, leadership and service pursuits.

Congratulations girls!

See photos HERE

Winter Uniform:

K–2: Tartan kilt with bib, long white blouse, blazer, tie, long green socks or leggings, straw hat for formal occasions only.

Years 3–6: Tartan kilt (no bib), long white blouse, blazer, tie, long green socks or leggings.

All students: Black polished lace-up school shoes (preferred), green hair ribbon.

Winter Sports Uniform:

PLC Armidale track pants, sports shirt, blue polo. Shorts may be worn if preferred.

Pick Up and Drop Off:

Please arrive via the Junior School Foyer after 8:15am when supervision begins.

Afternoon collection is from the gate only unless picking up early (sign-out via the Foyer).

Library Reminders:

Library bags are required for borrowing.

K–2 may borrow 2–3 books; Years 3–6 at teacher discretion.

Please refer to the Library Schedule to ensure books are returned on time.

Reading is a cornerstone of learning, and we encourage a love of books through access, choice, and regular reading time.

Library Schedule: Tuesday - Pre K and Stage 2; Thursday - Stage 3; Friday - Stage 1 and Kindergarten

Student Wellbeing – Wellio Program:

We continue to prioritise student wellbeing with Wellio, a digital platform offering tailored learning sequences in PDH. Led by Penny Kempton and Stage 3 teachers, the girls are engaging enthusiastically in their weekly sessions.

Topics for the term include: Controlling our Emotions; Mindfulness in Action; Combating Worry, Stress & Anxiety; From Strangers to Friends; Communication Styles; Asking for Help

These lessons support students in navigating their social world with confidence and clarity.

Senior School News

Mrs Kate Clynch

Head of Senior School

Special Interest Program (SIP) Semester 2 Activities Begin

As part of our pilot program, our Special Interest Projects (SIP) will continue in Term 3, with a range of new projects on offer for students in Years 7 to 10. SIP is designed to broaden learning experiences, developing students' interests and talents across diverse areas and year groups.

The program structure comprises four semester-long projects spanning a two-year period, centred on the four pillars of the student experience at PLC Armidale: Academic Endeavour, Creative and Performing Arts, Leadership and Service, and Sport and Outdoor Education.

Our core focus for Term 3 will be Academic Endeavour, and students have the opportunity to participate in one of the following project options:

Tournament of the Minds - developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline of collaboration within a challenging and competitive environment.
- The Tournament of the Minds will challenge students to work collaboratively on creative problem-solving tasks, developing their analytical and innovative thinking skills.
Beyond the Kaleidoscope - involvement in the production of 'The Scope', PLC Armidale’s student magazine
- Students participating in Beyond the Kaleidoscope will contribute to 'The Scope' student magazine, honing their writing, editing, and design capabilities while creating meaningful content for the school community.
AgriTech Innovators - exploring sustainable farming and initiatives in agriculture
- The AgriTech Innovators project combines agricultural theory with hands-on technology applications, allowing students to explore sustainable farming practices and modern agricultural innovations.
Community Canvas - enhancement of shared spaces through Graphic Design & Public Artworks
- Community Canvas students will develop graphic design skills while creating public art projects that contribute to the school and local community.
Sound Studio - creating and composing original works integrating Music Technology
- Sound Studio participants will explore composition and musical technology, learning to create, record, and produce music using contemporary digital tools and techniques.
The Tech Crew - Behind the Scenes Tech
- The Tech Crew project offers students the opportunity to develop technical production skills, gaining valuable experience in sound, lighting, and digital media management for school events and performances.
'Accelerated students' option - Current Year 10 HSC Physics students, HSC Dance students
- Our 'Accelerated students' option offers advanced Year 10 HSC Physics students and HSC Dance students the opportunity to extend their learning through specialised investigations and advanced coursework, preparing them for tertiary study and future careers in their chosen fields.

The SIP Program allows students to explore areas of personal interest while developing essential skills that complement core academic studies. Projects have been designed to promote hands-on learning, critical thinking, and practical skill development, reflecting our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for future challenges and allows them to explore their individual interests and talents.

Stage 5 Agriculture Harvest

The first week back and our Stage 5 Ag class has been busy harvesting produce from the garden built, prepared and planted by them and our Semester 1 SIP girls. Potatoes, Broccoli, Tomatoes and Kale - yum!!

Make the most of the break and read, read, read, then enter the Premiers Reading Challenge

The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) has commenced! This year we encourage all PLC Armidale girls from Kindergarten to Year 10 to participate in the Challenge.

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.

The Challenge runs until Friday August 22 and any books read this year from January 1 can be included in your “books read” tally.

Students in Years 7-10 will be provided with a username and password for the PRC site to record the books they have read. They will be given information on how to choose books for the PRC in their English class and will need to read 20 books to meet the requirements of the challenge.

More information on the Challenge can be found at here: https://online.education.nsw.gov.au/prc/home.html

BOOK HERE

Key Senior School Staff

Head of Senior School - Mrs Kate Clynch

Academic Leadership Team: Director of Studies - Mrs Julie Flanagan; Head of Humanities - Mr Mitchell Clendinning; Head of STEM - Mr Jonathon Shumack ; Head of Creative and Performing Arts - Mrs Joanne Wysel ; Director of Music - Mr Matthew Minter; Director of Sport - Mrs Lucy Donaldson.

Senior School Administration - Mrs Stephanie Fahy

Pastoral Care Staff

The purpose of the Pastoral Care model at PLC Armidale is to ensure that every girl is known and nurtured and that parents have a member of staff they can contact regarding any well-being issues that may arise. Wherever possible, our Year Patrons remain with students on their journey throughout Senior School. In addition, a Year Specialist has been allocated to assist students in each year group. Patrons and Specialists are also ably assisted by their PC team.

Year 7 - Patron: Sophie Westermarck; Specialist: Jennifer Leahy; Team: Aaron Creamer

Year 8 - Patron: Mitchell Clendinning; Specialist: Grace Welch; Team: Marilyn Faithfull

Year 9 - Patron: Emma Schaeffer; Specialist: Amanda Burney; Team: Roxanne Shumack

Year 10 - Patron: Jo Wysel; Specialist: Matthew Minter; Team: Josh Tuohy

Year 11 - Patron: Kate Fittler; Specialist: Jonathon Shumack; Team: Greg Cotterell, Margarita Perez

Year 12 - Patron: Yvette Ballard; Specialist: Julie Flanagan; Team: Ruth Patrick

Pathways - Angela Priebbenow

You can also find more information on the Parent/Carer Intranet via CONNECT HERE

The Senior School Handbook also contains details of requirements for stationery for students, as well as details for uniform, IT requirements and general information about life in the Senior School. You can find the Senior School Handbook on the Parent/Carer Intranet via CONNECT HERE

Boarding News

Sam and Amy Jacometti

Heads of Boarding

Narrabri Boarding School Expo

Our unique family-run Boarding House was on show at the recent Narrabri Boarding School Expo. We took the opportunity to speak with as many families as possible about our wonderful College and Boarding House.

See more pics in the Boarding Life photo gallery HERE

SPORT News

Mrs Lucy Donaldson

Head of Sport

Congratulations to .....

... Trista Dorrian

who has had a fantastic start to the year and achieved her year -end goal in just 6 months and achieved outstanding results putting in at least 11 hours a week of tennis training outside of school hours towards her own development. This talent and training discipline has resulted in her UTR (Universal Tennis Ranking) going from 5.49 to 6.05 in the last month. Trista's tennis coach had hoped to reach 6 by the end of the year. Ad Astra Trista!!

During a busy and successful first six months of 2025 ....

Trista was selected early in the year to be part of the NIAS Future Stars Program. This has involved Trista being invited and participating in Education Days, Physio Sessions and exclusive training days in Armidale and Tamworth.

In the local Northwest region, Trista has competed in 5 tournaments so far. In the first event, Trista played in the U16 girls' event and won convincingly. From then on, Trista has been competing in the U16 Boys events, where her best result was 2 nd and her worst was 3rd.

Trista has also had to travel distances to compete in tournaments In Ballina, Coffs Harbour 1, Forster 1, Sawtell, Coffs Harbour 2, Forster 2 and Penrith with most of these results being open events where she competes against adult women. Trista has performed very well and has had some amazing wins against much higher ranked opponents.

Trista was selected in Northwest Team as the Number 1 U16 girl to compete at the Wendy Saville Sheild in Newcastle on 21/22 June where she competed against other Number 1 girls from 5 other regions around NSW. Trista won 2 out of 5 singles games against very tough competitors.

During the school holidays, Trista competed in two major country championships.

Our girls enjoyed participating in the inaugural New England Rugby 7's Gala Day at UNE last week - despite the muddy conditions.

Welcome back to Term 3

We hope your family had a restful break and your daughter is ready for a great term of sport ahead.

All sports and training sessions resumed last week, following the same schedule as Term 2. If your child requires any changes to their current sport enrolments, please contact me via email.

Please encourage your daughter to read the Sports Draw each week and be aware of where they need to be and when.

Students are expected to arrive at their game venue at least 30 minutes prior to game time. This allows for an appropriate warm-up and team preparation. Punctuality is important to support their teammates and coaches.

Attendance at all trainings and games is compulsory. If your daughter is unable to attend a session for a valid reason, it is essential they notify the relevant staff or coach ahead of time.

Representative IGSA netball and hockey players are required to attend at least one Strength & Conditioning session per week. These sessions recommenced last week.

Finally, we ask all students to wear their PLC Armidale uniform correctly and with pride. Non-PLC Armidale items should not be worn to, from, or during games.

Thank you for your continued support of the PLC Armidale sports program. We’re looking forward to a positive and active Term 3.

Dates for your Diary

IGSA Hockey & Netball Trip 1:

1-2 August

IGSA Athletics Carnival:

21-22 August

IGSA Hockey & Netball Trip 2:

29-30 August

IGSA Hockey & Netball Finals:

19-20 September

For Your Information

Please note that our team accommodation for the first IGSA hockey and netball trip (and possibly the other trips) will be at the Mercure Hotel, Parramatta

As always, if at any stage you are unsure of anything or need clarification, send me an email at 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 will be able to assist as well. Email seniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Health News

Excursions

If your daughter has an upcoming excursion and requires any specific medication or has particular medical needs, please ensure you have completed and submitted the Medication Authorisation Form as soon as possible. This is essential to ensure her safety and well-being during the trip.

The importance of Hand Washing

To help protect everyone at our school, we kindly remind all staff and students to wash their hands frequently. Keeping our hands clean is a simple yet powerful step to reduce the spread of illnesses.

Please ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, please use hand sanitiser.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all at our school.

Immunisation Statements

Just a friendly reminder to all parents: if you haven’t already, please remember to send through your child’s most recent immunisation statement as soon as possible. This is important for ensuring their school records are up to date. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

Email: health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 02 6770 1741

You can find these and more on our Parent Portal HERE

PLCA Uniform Shop

Opening hours

Tuesday 8:30am to 11:30am

Thursday 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Phone: 02 6770 1703

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....

GREEN TARTAN

ALUMNAE NEWS

You can find the Autumn edition of the Green Tartan HERE

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

Don’t forget to RSVP to the PLC Armidale Reunion Weekend for 2025

All Old Girls, Mothers of Old Girls and past teachers are welcome to join us for the Reunion Weekend events and we hope to see you there, especially, '75, '05, and '15 alumnae - your milestone reunions are here! Food and beverages at the school are provided and the school also provides tours!

So start reaching out to your year groups from school and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help

You can RSVP solo or for a group here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSemTyVjBLT.../viewform...

PLC Armidale Foundation

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.

Donations can be made by clicking here.

General News

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Lion's Roar Newsletter Term 3 | Issue 11 2025