Congratulations to ...

Don't miss our Stage 5  Drama Student 2025 production

Books under investigation

New books in the Senior Library

The Powerless trilogy by Lauren Roberts

“The elites have possessed powers for decades, gifted to them by the Plague, while those born Ordinary are just that, banished from the kingdom of Ilya and shunned from society. No one knows this better than Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as a Psychic to blend in with the Elites. When she unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya's princes, Kai Azer, she's thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition showcasing the Elite's powers. If the Trials and the opponents within them don't kill her, the prince she's fighting feelings for will if he discovers what Paedyn is... completely Ordinary.” Blurb for book 1 of the trilogy, Powerless.

New(ish) books in the Junior Library

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025 K-10

Congratulations to the following students who have already completed the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge:

Year 9 -Chloe Hoad; Year 7 -Sophia Craig, Catie Furphy; Year 5 -Abigail Lidgerwood; Year 2 -Lisa Blake, Ruby Cooper, Bethany Paul, Harper Stone, Mariam Tanveer, Ella Williams; Year 1 - Eliza Bender, Neve Drozdowski, Eleanor Glover, Scarlett Irwin, Willow McKern, Josephine Putnam, Natalie Robinson; Kinder -Isla Fahy, Margaret Lidgerwood, Bridie Stone, Eliana Wang, Giacinta Xu.

Please make sure that you hand your PRC reading log form to Miss Muggeridge (JS students only) or complete your online reading log by Friday, 19 September 2025 (Term 3 Week 9). If you miss this deadline, you may not receive your PRC certificate.

To add to your PRC reading log, access the PRC Student Experience Portal here. 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 and any books read this year from January 1 can be included in your “books read” tally.

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

IF (also a great poem by Rudyard Kipling):

You’ve forgotten your PRC username and password, please email me (Miss Muggeridge, fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au) to ask for them to be re-sent.

You need help finding your next read for the Challenge, try one of these lists for books you can borrow from the PLC libraries, or ask Miss Muggeridge for recommendations:

Books for students in K-2

Books for students in years 3-4

Books for students in years 5-6

Books for students in years 7-9

Books for students in year 9+

Your online PRC record doesn’t show all your previously completed Challenges please email me (Miss Muggeridge, fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au) as soon as possible with details of the schools at which you completed each year’s challenge and I will contact the PRC team to have your PRC accounts merged.

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.

Senior Library opening hours (Term Time only):

Monday-Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm

Friday 8.30am-4pm

If you woulld like to share a review of a book with the rest of our readers - please send it to fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Junior School News

Mrs Fiona Wake

Head of Junior School

Science & Technology in Years 1 and 2

Stage One have been busy little scientists! 

Last term, Years 1 and 2 had fun diving into the fascinating world of reversible and irreversible changes in our “Spot the Difference” unit. The excitement in the room was electric as we explored the ways materials can change, sometimes reverting to their original state, and sometimes changing forever!

The girls investigated all kinds of everyday examples. We watched icypoles melt into sticky puddles (and learned how they could be frozen again), chocolate soften into gooey deliciousness, paper tear into pieces, popcorn pop from kernels into fluffy snacks, and water transform into ice. The girls even made marshmallow towers from pasta, knowing that it couldn’t be cooked for them to construct their building successfully. 

Through our hands-on experiments, the girls began to identify which changes could be reversed and which were here to stay.

Their curiosity shone as they asked thoughtful questions, made predictions, and shared observations. Science is always better when you can see, touch and hear what’s happening! By the end of the term, our budding scientists could confidently tell you whether a change was reversible or irreversible, and give you plenty of real-life examples from their own lives.

Shown are the students at Buchan Cottage, using their senses to see, hear, smell, taste and feel the irreversible popcorn change.

Mrs Dowling

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.

Mrs Kate Clynch

Head of Senior School

Term 3 Academic Awards - Round One

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

I am sure many of our College families enjoyed the magical and record-breaking snow dump over the weekend. 

While there were some hazards with trees dropping branches and road closures, overall, there was much merriment playing in the snow, making snowmen, freezing fingers and getting inside to warm up - before doing it all again. 

For our boarding families further away, we hope you were able to see some of the footage on the Boarders Instagram of the falls we had at school. 

We are knee-deep into Term 3. 

Year 12 are currently sitting their trial examinations, gaining valuable experience and feedback across their subjects - wishing them well.

Week 3 has been camp week for our Year 7 and Year 8 girls. Despite a delay with the snow, they appear to have had a great time at their campsites, enjoying a range of challenging activities. We look forward to hearing more from the girls as they return to the Boarding House at the end of the week. 

Poppy McLaren continues to lead our Boarding House with lots of exciting ideas and activities. This week, on Wednesday, we had a PJ night, with girls wearing their pyjamas to dinner! Poppy is an integral part of the BRC, constantly looking for ways to improve our Boarding program. You can see photos of Beyond Boarders, which is a fortnightly activity, with two girls selected each occasion (one domestic, one international). Each girl then shares photos and stories about their lives back home as all boarders are from somewhere other than Armidale!

At the end of Term 2, we said goodbye to one of our House Mothers - Aimee Taylor. Aimee and her family made the decision to move to Sydney, and while we are sad to see them leave, we wish them all the best. 

There will be an announcement in the next Lion’s Roar on the replacement for Aimee. 

We have uploaded the Term 3 Menu to the Boarding page of the parent portal. This will allow you to see what is available for lunches as well as the rotating menu for breakfasts and dinners. Following feedback on the Term 2 menu, we have slightly lengthened the menu rotation to four weeks to add more variety. SEE THE TERM 3 MENU HERE

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any concerns or questions. 

PLC Armidale Boarding

See more pics in the Boarding Life photo gallery HERE

SPORT News

Mrs Lucy Donaldson

Head of Sport

Congratulations to .....

The 49 students who travelled to Sydney last weekend for what turned into an epic adventure, extended by two unexpected nights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Our IGSA hockey and netball teams headed to the IGSA games at SOPAC, and despite a significant detour through Mudgee and the Blue Mountains, the girls maintained excellent spirits throughout the journey. This year’s closer accommodation to the venue also allowed more time for breakfast and match preparation, which was a welcome change.

Our journey took a turn when we were diverted around Murrurundi due to a police operation that closed all roads in and out of the area. This required a significant detour via Mudgee, Lithgow and onwards to Sydney, adding over two hours to our trip. Further delays were caused on our return journey due to severe weather and additional road closures. As a result, we were unable to return on Saturday evening as planned and instead arrived back in Armidale on Monday morning, following an extended stay in Tamworth.

Throughout these challenges, the girls remained calm, patient and understanding of the many decisions that needed to be made - particularly considering the impact on our Year 12 students, who commenced their trial exams this week. I couldn’t be prouder of how they conducted themselves. They were respectful, helpful, and a credit to our College.

I would also like to extend a genuine thanks to the following:

• Our parent community – for your patience and understanding during what was an unprecedented situation.

• Daniel and the New England Coaches team – for your ongoing support of our College and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students was prioritised at all times.

• The Golden Guitar Motel, Tamworth – for going above and beyond to accommodate our entire group in one location. Your flexibility in making up extra beds and holding rooms while travel decisions were being finalised was sincerely appreciated.

• Brendan and Vicky North (parents of Tash, Year 11) – for welcoming the Year 11 girls into your home on Sunday night, providing meals and a safe, warm environment. Your generous donation of fresh fruit, cookies and bottled water was also very gratefully received.

• Calrossy Anglican School – for your incredible hospitality on Sunday as we awaited updates on road openings. You generously opened your dining hall for the girls to study and relax, provided hot drinks and snacks, and even served lunch. The girls were also invited to use the gym, hall and basketball court. Thank you to Cheryl, Marie and Chef Scott - your kindness and generosity did not go unnoticed.

Despite the unexpected detours and delays, our first IGSA hockey and netball trip of the season was a great success, with some excellent results across both sports. The girls’ hard work, dedication and resilience truly shone through.

Thank you for your continued support of the PLC Armidale sports program. 

Independent Girls' School Association (IGSA) Trip 1 Results

Netball

Junior Team Results

The Junior team performed exceptionally across four matches, with several new players making their IGSA debut. They defeated Loretto Normanhurst 11-7 in a well-defended opener, followed by a strong 26-20 victory over Pymble Ladies College - an impressive win against a school that has as many girls trial for its IGSA teams as we have enrolled in our entire college! Saturday brought a hard-fought 19-19 draw against Brigidine College and concluded with a convincing 32-26 win over Ravenswood.

Senior Team Results

The Senior team faced a tough start, losing 8-20 to Loretto Normanhurst. They bounced back on Saturday with a confident 24-19 victory over St Scholastica's, before a narrow 28-32 defeat to Brigidine in their final match.

Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship and impressive skills throughout the tournament. It was a great start to the IGSA season, with our girls showing grace in both victory and defeat.

Greg Cotterell - Netball Convenor

Hockey

Junior Team Results

 It was a step up this year for our Junior Hockey team (J01), competing in the top junior division. From the first whistle, the girls set out to give their all - and they certainly delivered - playing some of the best hockey we’ve seen from them all season. Their commitment, teamwork, communication, strong passing, and impressive defensive efforts were clear throughout.

Their opening match against Pymble Ladies College was always going to be tough, especially as their first game of the IGSA matches. Despite a 0–3 loss, the scoreline didn’t reflect the game, with PLC Armidale dominating possession but unable to convert their chances.

On Saturday, the team returned to the field determined and energised. They bounced back with confidence, producing some outstanding team play and scoring some brilliant goals. This saw them take a 3–1 win over Wenona and a commanding 8–2 victory against Loreto Normanhurst.

Senior Team results

 With four games across the weekend, our Senior PLC 1 team knew they had a challenge ahead - and they rose to it. Despite being a relatively young and inexperienced side, they showed determination, teamwork, and played with impressive cohesion across all matches.

Their first game saw them narrowly defeated 1–2 by Loreto Kirribilli, with the winning goal scored in the final seconds. In their second match on Friday evening, the team showed resilience and fight, securing a well-deserved 1–1 draw against Loreto Normanhurst.

Despite some sore muscles, they returned to the field on Saturday with grit and determination. Unfortunately, they went down in both matches against Ravenswood and Monte, with some questionable umpiring decisions impacting the results.

I am incredibly proud of each and every one of the girls for their perseverance, sportsmanship, and the way they represented PLC with both grit and grace. It was an absolute privilege to be there alongside them

Rugby

11 of our amazing rugby players participated in the Armidale Rugby 7s Schools Tournament at Sport UNE on 23 July. In some trying weather conditions, they played some great rugby and had a ball sliding in the mud and puddles! The quality of rugby they are playing is a testament to their dedication to training and consistent gameplay on Friday evenings.

Well done Mary, Georgia, Lilly, Izzy, Hollie, Imogen, Evie (16s) and Emma, Piper, Lynette and Olive (14s). 

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

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) News

Mrs Jo Wysel

Head of Creative and Performing Arts

HSC Drama Showcase

Our Year 12 Drama students presented both their Individual and Group Performances ahead of the HSC practical exams on Friday evening. These pieces are the result of months of rehearsal, development, and refinement, and showcase the students’ ability to work both independently and collaboratively in performance. The evening was an excellent opportunity to see the strength of our Senior Drama cohort and the standard of work being prepared for the HSC markers.

These young women have worked tirelessly over the past year, researching, refining, rehearsing, and reworking every aspect of their performances and Director’s Folios with unwavering determination and grit.

Individual Projects – Performance and Critical Analysis:

Each student has developed their major work with care and creative insight, whether through embodied performance or detailed directorial vision. These projects are the result of months of exploration, experimentation, and deep critical thinking.

Group Performance:

The Group Performance is the heartbeat of the HSC Drama course, a collaborative, often chaotic, always compelling process where students devise an original 8–12 minute piece. It is here that they learn to trust one another, take creative risks, and bring to life theatre that speaks powerfully to the world around them

These young artists are not just meeting syllabus outcomes. They are making theatre that challenges, questions, provokes and heals. Theatre that changes the world, and it starts here.

It's Nearly Time to Be a Dag!

Our Stage 5 Drama students are stepping into the spotlight next week with their class production of Dags by Debra Oswald - a sharp, funny and deeply honest look at teenage insecurity, social pressures, and the awkward (often hilarious) path to self-acceptance. First performed in 1987, Dags remains strikingly relevant for today’s teenagers, offering a compelling blend of humour and heart. At its core, the play reminds us that being yourself, even if that self is a little awkward, a little uncertain, or a little bit of a dag, is something to be celebrated.

We warmly invite our school community to support these talented performers as they bring Oswald’s iconic characters to life with energy, vulnerability, and insight. It promises to be an evening filled with laughter, poignancy, and a touch of 80s nostalgia.

A reminder about our Working Bee this Sunday,  10 August from 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Dags by Debra Oswald

A PLC Armidale Stage 5 Drama production on Tuesday, 12 August and Wednesday ,13 August at 7pm  in The Armidale Playhouse.

Cost: Entry by donation

Come along, have a laugh, and support our emerging performers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Alternate Root Performance Opportunity – Amateur Music Night

The Alternate Root in Uralla is hosting a free MusicNSW event on Friday 5 September. 

Throughout the day musicians, sound people, production, lighting etc are able to book in for 1:1 consultations with Nino Haggith. 

This day will be followed by a mixer event before the amateur music night. 

Any students interested in performing in the amateur music night please contact Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au.

More information on the MusicNSW event can be found HERE  

Some dates for your diaries:

Stage 5 Play - Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August

HSC Music Showcase - 9 September

Grandparents Day and Creative and Performing Arts celebrations - Friday, 5  September

Oeuvre - a showcase of all HSC Major Work - Friday, 12 September

String Soiree: Term 4 - TBC

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 the Autumn edition of the Green Tartan HERE

General News