Congratulations to ...

...everyone who represented PLC Armidale at Anzac Day services around the region...

2025 Mother's Day Breakfast

For catering , please RSVP HERE  by 5pm Monday, 5 May.

See all the photos from our 2024 Mother's Day Breakfast event on our Parent Portal

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

Junior School News

Mrs Fiona Wake

Head of Junior School

Welcome Back to Term 2 - a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, connection and achievement. I trust the break provided time for rest and renewal.

At our first Term 2 assembly on Monday, I reflected on the values embodied by the ANZACs – courage, kindness, resilience, and purpose – and how these principles underpin the way we learn, lead, and connect with others. I encouraged the students to consider how these values can guide their friendships, learning, and contributions to school life.

Our key messages were: Lead with integrity and honesty; Serve with purpose; Nurture resilience in others; and Honour the past by living these values daily.

Each term offers a fresh start – a chance to shape our own story. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, at ESJ, or in the playground, character is built in the everyday moments. I reminded our students that respect, self-discipline, humility, integrity, and above all, kindness, are the building blocks of our community.

To our Junior School girls specifically:

Be brave, be kind, and always try your best. Use your manners, care for your belongings and each other, and enjoy every moment of learning and growing.

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

For the Calendar:

In-house Concert – Wednesday 7th May

Athletics Carnival – Half Day: Thursday 8th May, Full Day: Friday 9th May

Mother's Day Breakfast – Thursday 8th May, followed by Chapel

PLC Performs - 16th May

Eisteddfod - Choirs Wednesday 21st (Years 3-6) and Thursday 22nd May (K-2), full winter uniform will be required 

* Please refer to the PLC Armidale app and Broadcasts for up-to-date and finer details.

New in the Junior School Undercroft:

Thank you to the P&F for funding the installation of a large screen. This will enhance our ability to communicate, project special events and enrich outdoor learning experiences.

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.

As always, I value open communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs CC to arrange a time to meet.

Wishing you and your daughters a rewarding and enjoyable term ahead.

Congratulations to ....

...  Isabella Wyatt who travelled with two horses to Nyngan in the holidays to compete in the 2025 NSW State Sporting and State Campdraft Championships.

Isabella had a fantastic time amongst strong competition.

In the State Sporting 11-13 years age group Isabella and her horse Orarapark Sapphire Blue achieved the following results:: 2nd Bonfield bounce; 3rd Barrels; 4th Bending; 10th Diamond Flag and 11th Mug Race.

In the State U13 Campdraft Championship she achieved: 5th place with Turners Stud Tuff  and 11th place with Orarapark Sapphire Blue

Pre-K enjoy fresh produce from the garden

Vegetables for counting, pattern making and eating, eggs for eating and decorating...and more!

At last term's Global Garden harvest Pre-K were thrilled to discover so many beans, tomatoes and nasturtium flowers in the veggie garden.

Before snacking on the delicious healthy fresh produce, we washed it, then decided to sort and count them all. Wow!!!!  Six flowers, 16 big beans and 34 tomatoes! Nature play and mathematical inquiry at its best!

In addition, Pre-K  discussed how eggs are a powerful symbol at Easter. The egg represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as a chick hatches from an egg, symbolising new life, Easter eggs represent Jesus emerging from the tomb and bringing new life to the world. 

So we created a colourful 'Healthy Easter Egg' snack using our Junior School Isa Brown hen eggs. The eggs were boiled, cooled, and then wrapped in a paper towel. Water colour was later added to see if we could change the colour of the shell. What a fun 'egg-speriment'!

See all the photo HERE on the Parent Portal

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

Mrs Kate Clynch

Head of Senior School

Congratulations to ......

...to our team of talented Senior School students who received an honourable mention in the twenty-eighth Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO) last month: Binudi Vithana Year 11, Sophia Craig Year 7, Rachel Mungall Year 11, Navita Maher Year 11

...our second round of Term 1 Senior School Academic Award recipients

Emily Adams - 11 - Physics & Chemistry, Molly Chard - 11 - Mathematics Advanced, Daisy Donaldson - 12 - Visual Arts, Jade Foster - 11 - Biology, Issy Forrest - 9 - Drama, Holly Kelso - 8 - English, Tiko Lay - 12 - English Extension 1, Fiona Liu - 9 - Pathways, Alana Marshall - 10 - Maths Core Plus, Ella McKinnon - 9 - Psychology, Charli Milton - 10 - Maths Core Plus, Imogen Scanlon - 9 - PDHPE, Holly Sheedy - 12 - Design and Technology, India Smith - 12 - Music Extension, Stella Tuohey - 12 - Ancient History, Macey Wake - 11 - HMS, Lucy Ward - 11 - French, Zoe Webb - 12 - Business Studies and Maggie Willis - 10 - Maths

At PLC Armidale, one of our four key pillars is Academics.. In 2025, Senior School teachers will be asked twice a term to nominate one of their students to receive an Academic Award to acknowledge that student’s commitment to their academic pursuits. These awards acknowledge those who demonstrate diligence and sustained efforts, and are valued as recognition that academic success is an individual pursuit and includes effort, curiosity, engagement, persistence, improvement and achievement. 

...our Term 1 Year 7 Citizenship Award recipients: Catie Furphy, Bella Wysel, Ava Phelps, Georgina Arundale-Fuller, Sophie Clendinnning, Evie Donaldson and Lucie Stephen

Senior School students receive these once they achieve three or more Merit Awards in a single term. Merits are given to students when they demonstrate the College values either inside or outside the classroom. 

... our Livestock Team who rounded off a successful 2025 Show Season with showing the Victor Chang Charity Steer for the fourth year in a row at the Sydney Royal Show. 

This year's steer sold for $18,000. You can read the full report  by our Livestock Team Captain Macey Wake below.

This lovely feedback was received via email for the Principal of PLC Armidale. - it was from a show attendee.

Good evening,

I am writing to commend the PLC Armidale cattle team on their outstanding performance at the Sydney Show. During my time at the event, I was incredibly impressed by the team's display of friendship, independence, and sportsmanship.

Their dedication, teamwork, and positive attitude were clearly evident and are a credit to the school. It was a pleasure to witness such a well-rounded and committed group of students representing PLC with pride.

Kind regards,

Sam Stephens

Livestock Team - 2025 Show Season Report

The Livestock team has spent several weekends of Term 1 showing cattle at numerous local shows around New England, such as Glen Innes, Guyra, Inverell, Armidale, and Walcha. We also spent 10 days at the Sydney Royal Easter show in week 11, at the start of the holidays. 

Across these shows, the team members have received some great results, in both parading the cattle as well as judging a range of products, from different agricultural enterprises. 

These results include: 

At the Glen Innes show, Amelia Webb 1st place for fruit and vegetable judging, Annie Wake, third for Grain, Charli Milton, 2nd for Fleece, Elsie Wake, 2nd for both Fruit and Vegetable and Meat sheep, Macey Wake 1st for Meat sheep and 2nd for Merinino sheep. 

At the Armidale show, Charli Milton, 1st for meat sheep, Izzy Macrae, 3rd for meat sheep, Annie Wake, 3rd for fruit and vegetable judging, Nyla Webb, 2nd for fruit and vegetable judging, Emma Birnie, 2nd Merinino sheep. As well as the individual awards, the whole team was excited to win the school's competition this year, which judges on the school's teamwork and success in the junior judging and parades, how presentable the team members and cattle are and how well the team represents their school. 

Seven members of the team, Imogen Scanlen, Mila Vanzella, Amelia Webb, Annie Wake, Charli Milton, Elsie Wake and Macey Wake, attended the Sydney Royal Easter Show. We were at the show for 10 days, showing 8 cattle, two of which were the Shute Bell charity steers. At the show, the girls paraded the steers in the judging classes, leading to our Charity steers both getting 3rd in the Santa Getritis feature breed judging, and Big Brother (one of the charity steers) got selected to be in the Santa Getritis stand hill team. In the Red Poll judging, Tania, one of the heifers, won 1st place.  In the pair of heifers, the heifer got champion, and in the breeders group, the team also got champion. In the Simmental judging, our heifer 'Cheeks' came second in her class, which qualified her for the Reserve Champion heifer class. 

We also prepared and led for the Victor Chang Charity Steer auction again this year, where we raised $18,000 for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. As part of this opportunity, Elsie Briony and I got to have a tour of the Victor Chang research centre. Here we got to see this amazing zebra fish that was see-through, which allowed the scientists to observe their hearts. We also got to listen to one of the researchers explain the surgeries that are being completed at the centre, where they use pig hearts, as they are very similar to human hearts. She explained a summary of the whole process from the transportation of the pigs to the actual surgeries and the team of doctors involved. This was an amazing experience, which helped us to understand what the money is being raised for. 

The team thoroughly enjoyed the Sydney show this year and is very appreciative to have this experience. Overall, it has been a great year of showing cattle, which has led to some great times and opportunities for the team.

Livestock Team Celebration - Saturday, 24 May, 2025

Our Livestock Team will be hosting another wonderful parade and dinner on Saturday, 24 May 2025.  The menu will feature Bindaree Beef from Inverell and Lamb from Balala Station prepared by our College Hospitality teacher ( and professional chef) Mr Aaron Creamer.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Anzac Service at Ride Like a Girl Camp

Four PLC Armidale Year 8 girls ( Anna and Georgie Blake,  Addision Smith and Hannah Swain) went on the Scripture Union 'Ride Like A Girl' camp in Manilla during the holidays . Camp Director Bec Eastment, used to teach at PLC Armidale and her two daughters (Abby and Harriet) are both PLC alumnae and were junior leaders. A special Anzac Day service was held during the camp.

Tuesday Knit Wits 

At the end of Term 2, our girls, led by College Chaplian Mrs Jen Lehy and Teacher Roxanne Shumack, sent 40 knitted squares to the Wrapped With Love charity.

Girls at this Tuesday lunchtime knitting group attend to learn basic skills, or as part of their Duke  of Edinburgh Award service, and all enjoy the friendship and relaxed atmosphere.  All Senior School girls are welcome to pop into the Christian Studies room at lunchtime on Tuesdays to give it a try.

UNE Open Day

Our Stage 6 students joined more than 1000 future students  to experience life at the University of New England’s (UNE) Armidale campus  on Open Day 2025 last Friday.

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

As the temperatures drop across town, we're delighted to welcome everyone back to another exciting term in Boarding. The ugg boots and trackies have made their annual appearance as our boarders settle into the winter rhythm of school life.

Term 2 will be busy shifting gears into winter sports. Our first week has been very full, with lots of driving around town, delivering girls to the various training sessions and music rehearsals. The Armidale Eisteddfod is also approaching quickly, with many of our talented girls preparing for their various events.

This is a gentle reminder to all parents: please encourage your daughter to complete the Weekly Activities Google form. This crucial information helps our boarding staff coordinate transport and supervision for all training sessions, rehearsals, and weekend games. Knowing where your daughter needs to be and when allows us to provide seamless support throughout her busy schedule.

If you have any concerns, please get in touch. We are always keen to hear from parents about the needs of their daughter. 

Hopefully all our boarding parents received an email from us with details about finding a Boarding Liaison Parent. We want to establish more connections with our parent body and having a dedicated parent liaison is crucial to this. Please consider getting involved and let either the boarding house or Sarah Yassine, (PandF President) know if you are interested or have questions. 

Here's to a wonderful Term 2 filled with growth, achievement, and community spirit!

As always, we do encourage our boarding community to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. 

See more pics in the Boarding Life photo gallery HERE

Creative and Performing Arts      (CAPA) News

Mrs Joanne Wysel

Head of Creative and Performing Arts. (CAPA)

Congratulations to 

... our Bel Canto Choir, who performed an extraordinary event to commemorate the significance of Easter

A fortnight before Easter they performed JS Bach's sublime and sacred St Matthew Passion with the Fiori Musicali Chamber Choir and Orchestra in the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame in Guyra on Saturday and Saints Mary & Joseph Cathedral in Armidale on Passion Sunday.  The girls were part of a performance involving three choirs comprised of more than 70 singers, two orchestras, soloists and professional singers from Sydney. This epic work, which is rarely performed in regional Australia owing to its complexity, is considered by musicologists to be one of the pinnacles of sacred music,.

and best wishes to our girls going to the next level ...

We are thrilled to be defending two state titles from last year’s State Shakespeare Carnival, and with the strength of this year’s contenders, we are hopeful for another outstanding season.›

The Regional Shakespeare Carnival will be held at PLC Armidale on Thursday 15 May, with one item from each category representing our school. We are proud to host this inspiring event for the second year running, and parents are warmly invited to attend and share in the celebration of student achievement.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM OUR SCHOOL CARNIVAL HERE

Mary Poppins - tickets are now on sale to the general public

 We have sold about half our tickets across all performances, and on the popular nights, the seats are nearly all gone. 

If you haven't bought yours yet ....

BOOK HERE NOW !!

Experience the magic and wonder of PLC Armidale's production of 'Mary Poppins' at the Armidale Town Hall! 

Join the Banks family as their lives are turned upside down by the arrival of the practically perfect nanny with her magical carpetbag and unique perspective on life.

This beloved classic springs to life with unforgettable songs, including "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "A Spoonful of Sugar," and "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Our talented student cast brings charm and energy to this heartwarming story about family, imagination, and finding joy in the everyday.

With colourful costumes, spectacular dance numbers, and that special touch of Disney magic, this production promises an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Don't miss your chance to be swept away on an umbrella ride above the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins – where anything can happen if you let it!

We can't wait to share this magical evening of music with your family. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious event of the year!

Please note: 

• Our Understudies will perform on Wednesday Evening in the Preview Two show and on Saturday afternoon in the Matinee show.

• All Year 3 - 6 students will attend a special school matinee on Wednesday, 18 June, as part of their school day.

PLC Performs

When: Friday 16th May

Venue: PLC Ad Astra Arts Centre and DKC

Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm (Warm up at 4:45pm)

What to Wear: Full school uniform with blazers and polished shoes. Long hair is to be tied up with a green or red PLC ribbon.

What to bring: All students are to bring a water bottle, instrumental players will require their instruments and drama and dance students will need their costumes.

As part of our preparation for the Eisteddfod, PLC Music Ensembles and Drama & Dance Ensembles will be performing in a special concert, ‘PLC Performs’. The ensembles for Senior School include: Stage 4 Choir (all girls in Year 7 and 8), Senior Choir, Bel Canto Voices, Senior Strings, Jazz Ensemble, various small music ensembles, Senior Dance Ensembles and Senior Drama items.

Rehearsals are underway for this marvellous concert, and all the students in every ensemble have been working extremely hard, with some fantastic results.

There will be a warm-up for all girls in the Choirs and Instrumental Ensembles at 4:45 p.m. the night of the concert in the DKC with Mrs Dunham and Mr Minter so they can warm up their voices and unpack/tune their instruments. Following this, at 5:10 p.m., all Junior School dancers will warm up with Miss Rickie and Mrs Wysel.

As this is a compulsory school event, please notify Mrs Stephanie Fahy (sfahy@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au) if your daughter/ward is unable to attend.

Art in the Afternoon – Starting Next Term

Art in the Afternoon will be starting next term during lunchtimes with Mrs Schaeffer and our Visual Arts Captains, Daisy Donaldson and Sophie Hardin. Keep an eye out for more details, and come along to get creative!

Celebrating Our Student Successes

We love celebrating our students' achievements! Whether you are excelling in Drama, Dance, Music, or Visual Arts, we want to acknowledge your incredible efforts and share them with the wider school community. Please let us know about your successes so we can recognise them at assemblies and in our newsletters. 2025 is already shaping up to be an outstanding year in Creative and Performing Arts, and we can’t wait to see what our talented students achieve. 

We love seeing students embrace their creativity, challenge themselves, and support each other.

If you have any questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this a year to remember! 

SPORT News

Mrs Lucy Donaldson

Head of Sport

2025 Athletics Carnival

Athletics Carnival, pre-events for the 1500m races will take place next week during lunch times: Monday – Junior School 1500m (8–12 years) and Tuesday – Senior School 1500m (12–18 years)

Any students wishing to compete must wear appropriate running shoes. They may change into their PE uniform at the beginning of lunch. Please note that students should only nominate if they are confident in their ability to run the full 1500m distance.

Weather permitting, our PLC Armidale Whole School Athletics Carnival will be held from 1.15pm on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, and all day on Friday, May 9, starting at 8.50am.

If, on Wednesday, 8/5, the ground is deemed too wet to proceed, we will advise you via the PLC Armidale app.

This is always a wonderful day in the school event calendar, and we look forward to seeing you on campus. Can Wilkie win it for a fifth year in a row?

All students should come dressed in their winter sports uniform (see uniform guidelines here) on Thursday and Guild uniform on Friday. Tracksuit pants must be worn with shorts allowed for competition only.

PLC Armidale formal hats and shorts with the Guild shirt must be worn for the marching competition on Friday.

The full program will be emailed out early this week.

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

Dates for Diary: Term 2

Whole School Athletics Carnival: Thursday 8 May (half day) & Friday 9 May

IGSA Cross Country: Frensham School, Mittagong Friday 16 May

Pathways International Students

Term 1 Pathways Adventure

At the conclusion of Term 1, our 2025 International Student Pathways Cohort enjoyed a trip to Dubbo Zoo, tasting Mudgee honey, panning for gold and exploring the history of Bathhurst and Hill End before taking in the iconic Blue Mountains.

See all the Photos HERE on our Parent Portal

Health News

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

2025 Athletics Carnival Canteen Menu

Sausage $3

Sausage Sandwich ( x2 sausages/bread) $5

Sausage Roll $4

Two-minute Noodle Cup (Beef or Chicken) $1.50

Hearty Home Style Chicken and Vegetable or Pumpkin Soup - $3.50

Zooper Dooper $1

Bottled water or Juice Popper $2

Lolly Bag $1

Chips $2

Morning /Afternoon Tea Baked Goodies $2 a serve

Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate $2

*** Please note on Thursday, 8 May the Uniform Shop will only be open in the morning.8.30am to 11.30am ****

You can find the Spring/Summer 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

Want to get together with your class?

If you are interested in joining or organising a milestone reunion group during the Reunion Weekend on 22/23 August 2025, please get in touch with us at enquiries@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

General News

Some of our Stage 6 students joined More than 1000 future students have signed up to experience life at the University of New England’s (UNE) Armidale campus ahead of Open Day 2025 on Friday 2 May