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Lion's Roar Newsletter
Raising Her Voice: Supporting Girls’ Engagement and Well-being ...
Raising Her Voice: Supporting Girls’ Engagement and Well-being ...
PLC Armidale is a member of The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS). In partnership with Challenge Success (Stanford University), IGCS has released research findings on how girls are engaging with their learning and experiencing well-being in school.
More than 30,000 girls in girls’ schools contributed their voices to this study, making it one of the most extensive surveys of its kind.
The findings highlight what many parents instinctively know: when girls feel a strong sense of belonging and connection—to their peers, teachers, and school community—they are more engaged in learning, better equipped to manage stress, and more confident in their abilities.
The study showed that belonging is one of the strongest predictors of both academic engagement and emotional well-being...
Continue reading here ...
Continue reading here ...
At the same time, the research confirmed some of the pressures parents report their daughters face. Anxiety levels have risen commensurate with girls' access to and use of social media. The majority of respondents reported feeling chronic stress. More than three quarters of girls reported feeling exhausted, with many not getting the recommended 9–11 hours of sleep, averaging under 7 hours per night instead.
The data also showed that girls with strong coping strategies, including quality ‘in-person’ connections with others experienced fewer physical symptoms of stress and reported a greater overall sense of well-being.
What does this mean for schools and families? The report highlights three key areas:
Engagement – Girls thrive when they have a say in their learning and can connect schoolwork to their interests and purpose.
Balance – Workloads and after-school commitments need to be balanced to allow time for rest, reflection, and healthy routines.
Belonging – Strong peer relationships and trusted adult connections are vital. Almost 9 in 10 girls reported having a peer they could turn to, and 7 in 10 identified a trusted adult at school.
At PLC Armidale, these findings reaffirm our commitment to creating an environment where girls are known, valued, and supported. For parents, they also serve as a reminder that encouraging healthy routines at home—such as prioritising sleep, setting aside time for rest, and supporting open communication—plays a powerful role in strengthening girls’ engagement and well-being.
In the coming week, we will celebrate our Year 12 Valedictorians, the Class of 2025. In their recent exit interviews, many spoke of the connections formed and forged with teachers and peers, along with a sense of belonging to a community as things they have valued the most in their PLC Armidale education. Together, school and home form the partnership that helps every girl not only to cope with challenges, but also to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose.
Congratulations
Congratulations
Throughout the year, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the various interests and accomplishments of PLC Armidale girls. We will be aware of the experiences girls undertake to represent the College. We may not know about experiences and achievements in areas of interest outside of school. Please let our Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs Arundale know. Mrs Arundale greatly enjoys telling the story of the quality and achievements of our PLC Armidale girls.
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
our 2026 Leadership Team
our 2026 Leadership Team
Head Prefect: Molly Chard (Glen Innes); Deputy Head Prefect: Jessica MacMahon (Armidale); Creative Arts Prefect: Navita Maher (Armidale); Sports Prefect: Ella Jenkins (Walcha); International Prefect: Venus Poon (Hong Kong); Boarding Prefect: Chloe Younghusband (Baradine)
Guild Captains: Dixon: Captain Rachel Mungall (Armidale), Deputy - Natasha North (Tamworth); Hamlin: Captain Jade Foster (Armidale), Deputy Sophie Bailey (Armidale); Lovell: Captain Ashley Sharpe (Walgett), Deputy Emily Adams (Armidale); Wilkie: Captain Kate Ward (Guyra), Isabelle Carlon (Salisbury Plains)
Spiritual Leaders: Jessica MacMahon ( Armidale) , Jade Foster (Armidale), Kimberley Blake (Walcha)
The 2026 Leadership Team will be inducted at a special assembly ceremony in Term 4.
Our representative Junior Hockey Team
Our representative Junior Hockey Team
who are the IGSA First Division Junior Champions for 2025 after winning againsy Pymble in the final match on Friday then conquering (the up until then undefeated ) Ascham on Saturday 1-0. Well done to Lily Donaldson who scored the winning goal.
... our PLC1 Football Team
... our PLC1 Football Team
who won their Grand Final against Norths 3-1 to become 2025 Armidale Women’s Premier League Reserve Grade Champions. Ad Astra girls!!
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Whole School Grandparents Morning
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Whole School Grandparents Morning
Whole School Colour Run
Whole School Colour Run
To celebrate Class of '25 Final Activities Day on Wednesday, 24 September, all students will be participating in a Whole School Colour Run which will be held at PLC Armidale.
The Colour Run is a fundraising event and will be held in support of Anya's Wish Foundation as a mark of respect for Anya Zuber and her family. Anya graduated in the class of 2019 and unfortunately passed away in 2020 from an aggressive and persistent form of Osteosarcoma. Much has been done in the way of remembering Anya, including her mother, along with health professionals, developing Anya's Wish and the 19 for 19 challenge to conduct research and raise funds to help improve the outcomes for children diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
Parents may also like to make an online donation to this worthwhile cause - https://www.ccia.org.au/fundraisers/plcarmidaleclassof2025
Parents may also like to make an online donation to this worthwhile cause - https://www.ccia.org.au/fundraisers/plcarmidaleclassof2025
The Class of '25 will also be collecting at both college gates on Wednesday morning - cash and card accepted - but no change will be given.
The Class of '25 will also be collecting at both college gates on Wednesday morning - cash and card accepted - but no change will be given.
The Colour Run is a 1.9km event with a fun and colourful twist. It is about participation and ends with the students being covered in coloured powder by the time they reach the finish line. The powder used is non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally friendly and skin safe.
Prior to the Colour Run there will be a barbecue lunch hosted by the Student Representative Council, at a cost of $5 per student. THIS IS AN OPTIONAL FUNDRAISER BBQ for students. Order through MSA (My Student Account). No regular dining hall lunches available on this day. Only boarders are able to order from Dining Hall through the Boarding House for regular lunch on this day.
The Colour Run will commence after lunch at approximately 2:15pm on the Senior School Oval.
All students are required to wear their Guild Sports Uniform, accompanied by the PLC Armidale tracksuit pants or green PE shorts, to school. Students are asked to bring a white or light-coloured shirt to wear for the run. Students will change back into their Guild shirt to travel home.
Sunglasses may be worn during the Colour Run. Students should also have their PLC hat with them for the Colour Run.
If students are asthmatic, they can choose to not participate, or to run with their puffer.
At the end of the Colour Run students must stay at school until after the conclusion at 3:30pm.
Save the Date
Save the Date
Please dig out and keep all your spring gardening and cleaning donations for our
Please dig out and keep all your spring gardening and cleaning donations for our
College Recycled/Upcycled Second Hand Goods
College Recycled/Upcycled Second Hand Goods
and Bric-a-Brac Stall
and Bric-a-Brac Stall
and Gardening/Cuttings Stall
and Gardening/Cuttings Stall
No donations too small
No donations too small
Where to deliver your contributions will be announced next term.
From the keyboard of the librarian, Miss Muggeridge.
From the keyboard of the librarian, Miss Muggeridge.
New books in the Senior Library
New books in the Senior Library
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Sixteen year old Ruby breaks out of a government-run 'rehabilitation camp' for teens who acquired dangerous powers after surviving a virus that wiped out most American children. The darkest minds is book 1 in a series of 4.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Aven Green was born without arms - and by age 13 has learned how to do almost everything without them. When her parents take a new job running Stagecoach Pass, a dying Western theme park in Arizona, Aven has to leave everything she knows and face being the centre of unwanted attention at a new school. Not to mention dealing with gunfights outside her bedroom window at 12:00, 3:00, and 5:00. Hiding out in the library, she meets Connor, a boy who has Tourette's syndrome and is struggling to come to terms with his own disability. Together, they begin exploring the park, where they find themselves wrapped up in the mysterious disappearance of the owner - and the park's tarantula population. It would be hard enough for anyone to solve a mystery, help a friend and face their insecurities in the process. But Aven's about to find out just what she's capable of - even without arms.
New books in the Junior Library
New books in the Junior Library
Paris adventure, book 12 in the Ella at Eden series,
by Laura Sieveking
The Eden College musicians have been given an amazing opportunity to play in a concert at the Sydney Opera House! Not only will they be on a world-class stage, but they will also get to play with real musicians, including the renowned violinist Allegra Novic. But when Allegra's priceless violin goes missing, Ella finds herself in the centre of a criminal mystery. Can Ella crack the case with the help of some special, international friends?
by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
Avery Lee is tired of feeling squished by her six siblings! All Avery wants is her own room to be alone and make art. She hatches a plan to finally get her own room, while navigating changes in her friendships, and working on an art entry for the fair. But her family might move across the country and things get even more complicated.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025 K-10
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025 K-10
Congratulations to Ellie Cooper, Zoe Yuan and Jessica Putnam, all in Year 3, who have completed the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge in the last two weeks.
You’ve forgotten your username and password, please email me (Miss Muggeridge, fmuggeridge@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au) to ask for them to be re-sent.
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
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 woulld 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 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
Junior School News
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
... everyone who was part of our Starry Day Concert
... everyone who was part of our Starry Day Concert
We were delighted to showcase the amazing talent of our Junior School girls from Pre-K through to Year 6.
... our Semester 2 Junior School Student Representative Council members
... our Semester 2 Junior School Student Representative Council members
who organised our Junior School girls to take part in the Jump Rope for Heart Challenge
... and our Junior School students
... and our Junior School students
who raised over $2,000 for the Heart Foundation!
The Junior School Student Representative Council coordinated the activities, finishing with a Jump Off for each grade and a special teachers’ round. Well done to everyone involved!
UNE Medical Teddy Bear Clinic
UNE Medical Teddy Bear Clinic
This week, our Pre-K girls were visited by three first-year Medical Students from UNE who ran a fun ‘Teddy Bear Clinic.’ The girls loved caring for their teddies—putting on bandages and banparentportal.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/media/2025-photo-galleries/pre-k-teddy-bear-clinic daids, taking x-rays, and helping sore tummies after their teddies ate too many lollies!
Stage One Fun
Stage One Fun
The Stage One girls have had a wonderfully busy time both in and out of the classroom this term!
Gymnastics has been a huge hit, with the girls improving so much in their skills. Recently, we were delighted to welcome our families for two very special occasions. The Father’s Day Breakfast was filled with smiles, laughter, and a chance for the girls to share a barbecue brekkie and treasured memories with their dads. On Friday, Grandparents’ Day gave us another reason to celebrate, as our students proudly welcomed their grandparents and special friends into the school. The joy on everyone’s faces said it all - these moments really matter.
In Geography, we’ve been curious meteorologists, learning all about the weather. The girlshave been keeping an eye on clouds, wind, sunshine and rain, and thinking about howweather affects our daily lives. Their questions and wonderings have led to great discussions, from “Why do some days feel warmer even if the temperature is lower?” to “What makes the wind blow?”
In Science, our “Push and Pull” unit has had us moving, testing, and experimenting! From racing toy cars to exploring magnets and elastic bands, the girls have been hands-on investigators, discovering how different forces make things move. Their excitement has been contagious as they’ve worked together to test ideas and share discoveries. A lot of fun was had discovering the opposition between water’s push force and gravity’s pull force, shown below in a photo.
It has been such a joy to see Stage One shine in their learning and in the way they celebrate community. We are so proud of their curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm.
Nature Studies in Stage 2
Nature Studies in Stage 2
Stage 2 is thoroughly enjoying their inquiry learning about nature through multiple subjects this term.
We are focused on the living world around us and in awe of the diversity and beauty of nature. In Geography, we are learning about biomes around the world. In Science, we are posing questions about living things, how they are sorted into groups and classified, and how they adapt and survive. In English, we are reading lots of informative texts and constructing detailed information reports.
Creativity is incorporated in our integrated research projects about Australia’s endangered and extinct animals. Some amazing artworks are coming together in preparation for presenting our research and entering our art into a national art competition. Get ready to start collecting seeds, smelling the flowers and designing your own gardens.
Stage 2 Winter Woollies Writing Competition Winners
Stage 2 Winter Woollies Writing Competition Winners
Congratulations to our Year 3 winner, Anneliese Azon-Jacometti and our Year 4 winner, Amélie Wysel.
The Winter Woollies Adventure
The Winter Woollies Adventure
by Amelie
by Amelie
One morning, Flow woke to find her mum sitting on the end of her bed. “What are you doing?” she said through a yawn.
“ Well,” said her mum, “ We are going on an adventure, and the best thing is we're going on the day before Christmas.
“Which is when?” Flow said, starting to wake up.
“Today. So get packing, okay?
“Fine,” Flow said, but it wasn’t very convincing. Her mum looked at her strangely. “Yeah, yeah, okay. BUT!!!!!” she said before her mum walked out. “Two things, one, if we’re going somewhere cold, which we are. I need mittens. And two, please, say we’re not going with Alex, he's so boring, all he does is play on his phone, all day!!!!! I never get to play with him.”
“He’s going through a tough period, sweetie. Give him some time! You’ll be like that one day, too. Now get packing” Flow was so upset she didn't want to go and all she wanted was to finally play with her big, amazing brother and all she wanted was to have some warm, comfy, cosy mittens.
*****
Once Flow had finished packing, she slammed the door open and trod on something. She looked down.
“MITTENS!!!!” she shouted! “YES! I wonder who these are from and for. Oh! There’s a note too!” she opened it. “It’s for……ME!!!Yay!” She read it out, it said:
“The winter woollies have vanished. Without them, the magical balance of the seasons is breaking. You’ve been chosen to find them. Begin at the snowflake tree.”
“What?!! Well, I guess I would be away from all the chaos. But where is the snowflake tree and why me?!!” She put her stuff back in her room and went to her desk with her mittens and the letter and sat down. When she sat down, something fell out of the envelope. “What?” It was a map. Then Flow hears a voice. She gaped. “Who was that?” She slowly turned around. “Hello?”
“Yes, hi.
“Who said that?”
“Oh, this is always how it goes. Look, I'm a map……... Turn around…. I’m in charge of getting you to the snowflake tree.” Flow looked at the map like it was the weirdest thing she’d ever seen. “Have you noticed that there is one particular tree that always stands out?” The map waited… and waited…and waited, till finally it said, “Come on! Get your stuff, and I’ll lead you. But I must warn you. There is grave danger ahea,d and I won't always be there for you. But you have the mittens?.... Good, they will help you and they will protect you. They have powers.
*****
Flow got her stuff she needed and left a note that said:
“Dear Mum,
Sorry, I left, but I need to help the seasons
I LOVE YOU!!!!! SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!
-Flow”
Flow felt sad that she left, but she knew that she had to. They headed out, and suddenly, Flow felt a sudden drop of snow in the middle of summer!
“The seasons are definitely changing”
“Come on! There's only a matter of time! First, we will go to the snowflake tree, then the enchanted forests, then the slippery ice caverns, and then a blizzard. LETS GET STARTED!!!!!!!!”
*****
Once they had got to the snowflake tree, the map gave her a lecture to warn her of the grave danger ahead. “Are you ready?” The map said excitedly, but also scared.
“Well… I guess I have to be!”
“It's okay, you have the mittens.”Just then, they heard whispering.
“What was that?!!!”
“It’s okay, Flow” That was the first time the map said her name.
*****
After that, they had a great time talking on the way to the enchanted forest. Flow’s hands got cold, so she put the mittens on. But as she did, she started to float up in the air.
“Whoa! This is soooo cool.”
“Yeah! But come on. We need to keep moving”
“Oh, stop being a party pooper. Flow said, almost starting to laugh
“Flow, can’t you hear the villains closing in on us?”
“No?” She listens…….Then she hears it! “No!” they start to run (well, float for the map). But they bump into frozen people who look like they are trying to escape!
“I think we have found ourselves in the slippery ice caverns,” said the map. Flow was so scared, but she knew she had the mittens. The map was right, they were slippery. Whenever Flow started to step, the ice started to crack. Flow felt like her heart was going to come out her mouth. Then the ice CRACKED, Flow fell through and down into the cold, cold, cold water. Flow went unconscious. The map started to cry because he couldn’t help her because he was paper. The mittens started to glow and all of a sudden, Flow started to get lifted up out of the water. The mittens fell off her hands and floated up with her, around and around and around and around, until Flow woke up and her eyes started to glow and snow and sand went out of the mittens.
Once Flow had come down, she knew that they still weren’t safe. She could feel it. She told the map that they weren’t safe. He agreed. They kept walking and then it started to snow! Heaver and heaver and heaver, until it was blizzed and there was so much snow that they couldn’t see!!!!! Then something bad happened. They were walking and Flow said:
“Hey, Mr Map… Map?!!!!! Oh no!!!! I’ve lost him!!!........ What would he say at this moment?..... He would say…” Blinking into the sunlight, then realising that there was no sunlight. “He would saaaaaaaaaay. Use……your……. mittens!!!!! That's it!!!!!!!” She put her face in her hands and wisped. Then her wish came true!!!!!! He came back, and when they hugged, the map turned into a normal young boy, all the frozen people turned back and now it was definitely summer. Flow went down and sighed. The map {well boy} hugged her so much she could hardly breathe!!!!! Flow had done it … won it … so it would be a happy Christmas after all!!!!!
Alice, {Flow’s mum}, was so excited to see them, she said she should be angry, but she was too excited to see them. Because the map that we named ‘David’ didn’t have a home, they took him in as their own. And do you know the best thing? Alex is being nice to Flow because he realised that Flow is much better than a phone!!!! Everything is amazing, and now they all have a new friend and a great story to write about!!!!!!!!
By Amélie
The Winter Woollies Adventure
The Winter Woollies Adventure
by Anneliese
by Anneliese
Once there were four friends, and their names were: Rachel, Ellie, Olivia and Chloe. One morning, Rachel woke up to hear a rumbling sound outside the house. Rachel hopped out of bed and ran to the front door. It was the mailman!
The mailman dropped off a parcel. When the mailman left, Rachel opened the door, picked up the parcel and took it into her room. She read who it was for, and it was for her! Rachel opened the parcel to find a letter saying to meet at the secret base. When Rachel arrived, she was surprised to find Ellie, Olivia and Chloe.
They said that they got the same message as her. Then Chloe saw the letters that the past letter had said they would find. They ran up to them and grabbed one each. They opened the envelope and found a pair of mittens. Each had a letter that said that they would find secrets on the way. In Chloe’s envelope, there was a map.
When Chloe pulled out the map, someone said something, “Hey! You be careful with me!” The voice didn’t sound like Chloe’s voice or Rachel’s or Ellie’s or Olivia’s either. Then Chloe screamed “AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!! Who said that? said Chloe. I did! said the map. Everyone was astonished to see that a map could speak.
Finally, Olivia spoke up and said, “Who are you?”
Let me introduce myself to you. I am Max. I can speak as well. There is a huge problem!!”The hot summer, the snowy winter, the falling autumn and the growing buds for spring are all fading! With something going around, all of the seasons will never be themselves unless you 4 save the seasons.
The guide of the glowing mittens has superpowers, so if you're in trouble, just trust the mittens to help you. Now, shall we get started? Yes! They all said. So the four and the map all set off to go on the adventure. The map started giving directions. Soon they arrived at a creepy, dark forest.
“I…I’m scared,” said Ellie. “I think we all are Ellie,” said Olivia, “but we’ve got to go through it, said Rachel determinedly. They all walked through together, all bunched up close. They all had their mittens on in case something bad happened that no one expected. They weren’t scared any more because no scary animal had passed them.
It seemed strange to see no animals wandering around because that’s usually where animals live in the wild. When they reached the end of the forest, Ellie said, “You know when the letter said that we would find secrets on the way, I think no animals in the forest is a secret”
“I think you're right,” said Chloe.
“Well, moving on”, said the map. Soon they became very cold. “BRRRRRRRRRRR, It’s cold,” said Olivia. It began snowing, and everyone got even colder. “It is indeed”, said somebody. WHO WAS THAT?? said Rachel. “ It was me,” said a snowman.
They all turned around to find a snowman standing on the snow. By now, the snow had stopped, but a big snowstorm began. “We'd better find some shelter here”. Said Rachel. “Oh, you won't find any shelter here because in this place there’s always a snowstorm here.
All of the igloos got sucked up by the blizzard and that’s why there are no houses or igloos here.” Wow”, said Ellie. “Well, we'd best get going”, says Olivia. “Good luck with that”, mumbles the snowman. So the four started to set off. But the snow blizzard came ‘round to them and they got sucked up by it. Chloe remembered that the map said to trust the mittens. So Chloe yelled out to the others to use the mittens. So the others put their mittens on and put their hands in front of their heads. Soon, the blizzard faded away.
When the four(including the map) got out of the winter land Rachel said “I think the secret about that land is that the snowman was the last thing there, and I wonder how he didn’t get sucked up”. “Anyway, let's get moving,” said Rachel. Now, Max, where do we go next? Maxs? MAAAAAXX? Where are you? I think we’ve lost Max, said Rachel.
Oh no! Said Chloe. How are we going to get to our next destination? asked Ellie. “I know!” said Chloe. “We can use our mittens!”
“Oh yeah!” said Rachel. So the four put on their mittens and said in their minds the direction for the next destination and it worked! Out of nowhere, the four girls got a map each. This map wasn’t as good as Max the talking map. Even though the maps that we have right now are not as good as Max at least we still HAVE a map, said Olivia.
When they got to the next destination, which is the autumn land, no leaves were falling. “Now that’s got to be the secret, no leaves were falling,” said Ellie. Anyway, let's get through this. “Oh, that will be quite hard,” said a little voice. “Who was that”? asked Chloe. “It was me,” said a tree trunk. The four girls turned around to find a tree trunk smiling happily.” Why are you so happy about it?” said Rachel. “I AM NOT!!!!” said the trunk.
“Okay, okay, okay, geeeez”, said Rachel. “Anyway, how will it be hard to get through this land?” “Because every single time you walk under a tree, it will drop all of its leaves on you. “Well, we will still push through.” said Ellie. So the four set off, but unfortunately, the tree trunk was right, so when they went under a tree, all the tree leaves fell on them. “UUUUUGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH that ugly tree trunk was right” said Ellie. “But you said we would push through,” said Olivia, “and we will”, said Rachel.
The four kept on walking. They got covered in lots of leaves, but they still made it through. When they reached the end of the land, Chloe said, “Well, I think we all know what that land's secret was.” “Yep”, they all agreed. It was the falling leaves. The next destination is the spring land.
When they arrived, they saw that no buds were growing. When they reached the end of the spring land, they felt words forming in their mouths. They spoke out the words and the words went like this:” Fix the seasons, will you please? We are praying down on our knees, so fix these seasons, will you please. All the girls were back at home with the seasons fixed. The girls were relaxed. The map was back at home safe and sound.
THE END
Costa Tomato Farm Stage 3 Excursion
Costa Tomato Farm Stage 3 Excursion
On Thursday 18 September, Stage Three enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Costa Tomato Farm in Guyra – an excellent opportunity to bring our science and geography learning to life.
We were treated to a fascinating bus tour of the facility led by Mr Butterworth, who explained the tomato production process in detail. He shared how the environment has been modified to make way for the glasshouse facility and why Guyra was chosen as the ideal location for the farm.
Many of the girls rated the excursion “10 out of 10,” sharing that they learnt so much despite all the research we had done beforehand. We were blown away by the sheer size of the glasshouses. A definite highlight was sampling fresh strawberries and tomatoes, as well as receiving tomato seedlings to take back to school. Stage Three now faces the ultimate challenge – keeping their tomato plants not only alive, but thriving!
A huge thank you to Mr Schaeffer for driving us, and to Mr Butterworth for generously sharing his knowledge and time. This was a memorable, hands-on learning experience that the girls will not soon forget.
Ad Astra Awards
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
Pick Up and Drop Off:
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 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.
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:
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
Senior School News
Mrs Kate Clynch
Head of Senior School
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
...everyone involved in our magnificent Starry Night Concert
...everyone involved in our magnificent Starry Night Concert
It was another stellar showcase of our Senior School Creative and Performing Arts.
... our Year 12 Major Work students
... our Year 12 Major Work students
who produced a stunning showcase of their work in Design & Technology, Drama, English Extension 2, Hospitality, Music 1, 2 and Extension and Visual Arts for our annual Oeuvre evening.
...our inaugural Tournament of the Minds Arts Team
...our inaugural Tournament of the Minds Arts Team
who competed in the TOM State Finals in Sydney last weekend.
Tournament of Minds is a problem-solving program for teams of students from both primary and secondary years to develop diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging and competitive environment.
It was a wonderful experience for the girls and while they didn't place the representated the College well and conducted themselves with grace and humility.
our lunchtime knitting club Knit Wits
our lunchtime knitting club Knit Wits
who have sent off nearly 100 completed squares to "wrapped with love", a non-profit organsiation that sew the squares into blankets for nursing homes, hospitals and the community. Well done girls!
... our Thailand Service Learning girls
... our Thailand Service Learning girls
who raised $2200 making milkshakes, hot chocolates and coffee (for the staff) to make money to donate to the Agape Children's Home and McLean Care Home during their Service Learning trip later this month.
our Central Australia Cultural Immersion students
our Central Australia Cultural Immersion students
who raised $777 selling lunchtime sweet treats (purple face painting) to donate to the Purple House when they visit next week. Purple House is an Indigenous owned and run non-profit health service based in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia.
... our senior Student Representative Committee (SRC) girls
... our senior Student Representative Committee (SRC) girls
who made sure everyone was OK (and well fed at Morning Tea ) on RUOK Day.
Journey to an Ancient Land Excursion
The 6km walk from Point Lookout (Berarngutta) to Wrights Lookout took our Year 7 HSIE students along the escarpment formed by the ancient Ebor volcano some 18 million years ago.
The girls experienced Antarctic Beech forests and temperate rainforest that has survived the bushfires that rip through the nearby gum trees, thanks to the constant moisture and the basalt escarpment, which protects it from fire and wind.
In history and geography, they have studied ancient civilisations and investigated different landforms (mountains, rivers, volcanoes).
This excursion, hosted by NSW Parks and Wildlife Rangers, linked in with both the ancient history, Aboriginal perspectives and the geography of a place.
The park straddles the traditional boundaries of the Dunghutti, Anaiwan, and Gumbaynggirr Peoples, and covers an area of great spiritual and cultural significance to local Aboriginal people.
We are blessed to be surrounded by such a magnificent World Heritage natural landscape, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area — the most extensive strip of diverse rainforest anywhere on Earth.
The journey offered a glimpse into the ancient past, when rainforests once covered the land we now call Australia. Students gain an understanding of the evolution of rainforests over geological time and the geographical processes that form and transform environments.
Guided through a diverse and unique high-altitude environment of snow gums and cool-temperate rainforests, with spectacular vantage points, students gained perspective on the processes that continue to shape this environment
Class of 2025 Valedictory Celebrations
Class of 2025 Valedictory Celebrations
Monday, 22 September :
AM: Final Senior School Assembly with a presentation about the work of the Anya's Wish Foundation.
PM: Celebrating Armidale's Class of 2025 in Central Park and PLC Armidale Boarders' Farewell Dinner in the Dining Hall
Tuesday, 23 September:
AM - Regular timetabled classes for Year 12 students.
PM - Old Girls Union Afternoon Tea at 2.30pm in the Board Room.
Wednesday, 24 September:
AM - Year 12 Gate collection for 'Anya's Wish, the Year 12 target charity. Year 12 may wear their 'decorated' PLC uniform for this fundraising event, and wear it for the remainder of the day. Decorated uniforms still need to be modest, and follow our guidelines for school socials.
PM - Year 12 ‘Mock Assembly’ followed by our Whole School Colour Run (girls to bring their own old shirt to wear). All money raised will go towards Team PLCA's contribution to the 19 for 19 2025 Anya's Wish Foundation fundraiser.
Thursday, 25 September:
AM Valedictory Walk AND Assembly
PM Valedictory Refreshments in the AAC followed by the Valedictory Dinner at Rydges.
HSC Intensive Study Sessions will be offered at College, commencing on Saturday, 11 October 2025.
HSC Intensive Study Sessions will be offered at College, commencing on Saturday, 11 October 2025.
These sessions are designed to support our students in their final preparations for the HSC examinations. The first HSC Examination will take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
Students have access to a live document containing the schedule, which will be updated regularly: 2025 HSC Intensives
Boarders may return to the boarding house on Saturday, 11th October but self-catering will be required for Saturday and Sunday nights, as the Dining Hall will not yet be open. More information about this will follow from the Boarding House.
Sessions are then scheduled during Weeks 1-3 of Term 4. These will be held during the school day, and here at school. PLC Armidale will provide lunch for all attending students on Saturday, 11 October and Sunday, 12 October.
The PLC Armidale Library will be open from Tuesday, 7 October to Friday, 10 October for any students wishing to take advantage of a quiet study space. The library will be open from 9am to 3.30pm each day.
We encourage all Year 12 HSC students to take advantage of these revision sessions and the library study space. They offer excellent opportunities to clarify any uncertainties, reinforce key concepts, and fine-tune exam strategies under the guidance of our dedicated teachers.
If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact the school office.
We wish all our HSC students the very best in both their studies over the break and their upcoming examinations.
HSC Study Camps this holiday.
HSC Study Camps this holiday.
CRU Camps is the largest provider of Christian holiday camps in New South Wales
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
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
Boarding News
Sam and Amy Jacometti
Heads of Boarding
Health News
Health News
Excursions
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
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
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
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
Fittings for summer uniforms are now available.
Fittings for summer uniforms are now available.
The Uniform Shop will be open the day before school resumes on October 13. However, only one family will be allowed in the store at a time, unless they have a booked appointment. 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.
Those who have made a fitting appointment have priority, then it's in order of who arrives.
Some more size 4 and 6 hoodies have arrived in-store - they run big and are soft and comfortable.
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....
GREEN TARTAN
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
ALUMNAE NEWS
You can find the Autumn edition of the Green Tartan HERE
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.
General News
General News
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