Embedded Files
Lion's Roar Newsletter
From the Principal
From the Principal
MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
The Likeable Girl: Choosing Kind Over Popular
The Likeable Girl: Choosing Kind Over Popular
For our children, adolescence is a season in which belonging matters deeply. The desire to be noticed, accepted, and included is natural; yet it can also tempt girls, especially, to measure their worth by social position—who is invited, who is followed, who is admired, and who appears to have influence.
For our children, adolescence is a season in which belonging matters deeply. The desire to be noticed, accepted, and included is natural; yet it can also tempt girls, especially, to measure their worth by social position—who is invited, who is followed, who is admired, and who appears to have influence.
In The Popular Girls, clinical psychologist past PLC Armidale parent and mother of three daughters, Dr Mary Kaspar distinguishes between two very different forms of social connection.
The first, status-based popularity is visible, influential and socially powerful. Such popularity can be maintained through exclusivity…you but not you.. image..this (lunchbox/toy/hoodie) not that…control…I’ll do this you can do that… and, at times, relational aggression….ignoring, eye rolling, funny not funny quips…
The second form of social connection can be described as genuine likeability. A girl who is trusted, respected, and enjoyed by peers because she is warm, inclusive, and authentic.
Being a likeable not popular girl does not mean social suicide. Likeable girls are not people-pleasers who suppress their convictions to seek the approval of others. Likeable girls are the kind of people who others feel safe, valued and able to be themselves with. It is the difference between asking, “How can I make people notice me?” and ...
... continue reading here
... continue reading here
... “How do people feel after spending time with me?”
Central to this distinction between popular and likeable is kindness.
Central to this distinction between popular and likeable is kindness.
Kindness is sometimes thought of as simply a personality trait that one has or doesn’t have. Kindness is more than temperament. It is an intentional choice, often requiring courage and self-discipline.
Kindness is choosing to include someone when exclusion might strengthen our own social position.
Kindness is refusing to pass on gossip, checking in with a peer who is struggling, celebrating another’s success without envy and speaking up when someone is being put down or excluded.
Kindness is not weakness nor is it passive niceness.
Kindness is strength directed towards the good of another.
Dolly Parton’s legacy has come into focus this week with news of her death. From very impoverished beginnings, Dolly achieved extraordinary fame and wealth. Yet many tributes to her have focused not only on her talent but also on her warmth, humility and generosity - kindness.
Asked how she wished to be remembered, she once replied, “I’d like to be thought of as a decent (likeable) human being…”
Kindness was expressed through action. Inspired by her father, who could not read or write, Parton established the Imagination Library in 1995. What began in her home county grew into an international program, with the Tamworth branch established in 2019, that has given more than 300 million books to young children. Dolly Parton’s kindness was not a pleasant disposition, it became a deliberate, sustained commitment for the betterment of others.
Popularity asks, “How many people know my name?/ Like my post/ Follow my blog” .
Character asks, “Whose life is better because I was here or because of what I have done?”
At PLC Armidale, we want our girls to understand that lasting influence does not come from controlling a group or occupying the centre of attention. It grows from humility, integrity, respect and self-discipline, from noticing others, acting with courage and choosing kindness, especially when kindness costs something.
At PLC Armidale, we want our girls to understand that lasting influence does not come from controlling a group or occupying the centre of attention. It grows from humility, integrity, respect and self-discipline, from noticing others, acting with courage and choosing kindness, especially when kindness costs something.
The popular girl may be noticed when she enters a room.
The popular girl may be noticed when she enters a room.
The genuinely likeable girl notices who else is in it and helps them know they matter.
The genuinely likeable girl notices who else is in it and helps them know they matter.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32
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. Below is the news we know so far from the holidays....
Congratulations to...
Congratulations to...
... our 2026 IGSA Netball and Hockey teams
... our 2026 IGSA Netball and Hockey teams
who had an epic weekend of competion in Sydney. Senior Netball: two wins, one loss and one draw; Junior Netball: two wins and one loss; Senior Hockey: two wins and one draw; Junior Hockey: one win, one draw and one loss.
... our 2026 IGSA athletic team
... our 2026 IGSA athletic team
who achieved some strong results - shout out to Evie Donaldson (Year8), who is in contention for selection to the IGSA Representative team to compete at the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) competition in September.
Isabella Wyatt (Year7)THIRD 12 Years Shot Put Division 3;
Emily Roarty (Yr8) THIRD 13 Years Shot Put Division 3 ;
Steph Blake (Yr 11) SECOND 17 Years Long Jump Division 3;
Anaias Dettwiler(Yr11) THIRD Senior 400m Division 3 and SECOND 17 Years 800m Division 3;
Evie Donaldson (Yr8) FIRST 14 Years long jump Division 3 and SECOND OVERALL and SECOND Junior High jump Division 3.
... our 2026 IPSHA Athletics Team
... our 2026 IPSHA Athletics Team
who had a fantastic trip to Sydney Olympic Park for the competion where they joined more than 1,700 primary student athletes from 56 Independent schools across NSW, with a staggering 2,900-plus event entries.
See the Full Report in the Junior School section
See the Full Report in the Junior School section
Big shout out to Lana Milunovic in Year 6,
Big shout out to Lana Milunovic in Year 6,
who came FIRST OVERALL in the Discus and SECOND overall in the Shotput.
.... our Stage 5 Ag girls -
.... our Stage 5 Ag girls -
whose 2026 Dubbo Merino Challenge wethers were named - Fourth Overall Highest Carcase Value - out of 137 schools, an exceptional effort. N.B - These were the wethers when they arrived - not when they left!!
See a full report in the Senior School section
See a full report in the Senior School section
... Isabella Wyatt in Year 7
... Isabella Wyatt in Year 7
who achieved 4th place in the Dorrigo Silver Spurs Junior Campdraft last weekend with her horse Orarapark Sapphire Blue.
And in the last holdiay break, Isabella represented Hockey New England in the Kim Small Shield in Tamworth.
... Shiloni Katta in Year 6
... Shiloni Katta in Year 6
who was selected to perform in the original modern gospel cantata, Letters from Paul, on August 16, 2026.
Shiloni was hand-selected by Sharny Russell (along with other students and students from other schools) from NECOM to perform her pieces as part of the children’s choir in a special production of Letters from Paul at the Uniting Church in Armidale, with the support of NECOM.
The performance featured an orchestra, adult choir and children’s choir, and was based on the teachings and stories of the New Testament, particularly Paul’s awakening through Christ and his journey as he spread the Gospel.
Sharny Russell, Head of Contemporary Projects at the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM), recently presented a special performance of her original modern gospel cantata, Letters from Paul. Penned over 30 years ago as a school musical, the reimagined work was brought to life in Armidale, NSW, featuring an orchestra, choir, and children's choir.
... Harriet Minter and Harli Li in Year 9
... Harriet Minter and Harli Li in Year 9
who performed with the Australian World Orchestra last weekend in Sydney.
... April Ferguson in Year 6
... April Ferguson in Year 6
who is the 2026 Armidale Eisteddfod New England U12's Vocal Champion
...our Stage 4 Language and Literature Tournament of the Minds Team : Lucy Koina, Ellie Donaldson, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Kushmi Jayaratne, Georgina Arundale-Fuller and Isla Douglas
...our Stage 4 Language and Literature Tournament of the Minds Team : Lucy Koina, Ellie Donaldson, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Kushmi Jayaratne, Georgina Arundale-Fuller and Isla Douglas
who were awarded Honours at this weekend's regional competition - they won't go on to Sydney for the finals but they created and performed and amazing 8 minute drama piece in just two SIP lessons - Ad Astra girls!
... our Australian Biomechanics Research and Innovation Competition Team; Anna Song, Chloe Hoad, Sharni Webb and Jiya Aila
... our Australian Biomechanics Research and Innovation Competition Team; Anna Song, Chloe Hoad, Sharni Webb and Jiya Aila
who investigated whether hiking boots or joggers better reduced friction, impact, and the risk of blisters.
A full report will be in the next issue.
A full report will be in the next issue.
... our Stage 5 Drama girls
... our Stage 5 Drama girls
who produced and performed two sold-out shows of Girls Like That by Evan Placey at the Armidale Playhouse
... all our teachers across the College
... all our teachers across the College
who have supported our girls to achieve some very strong NAPLAN results this year, ensured our College is developing highly capable readers, writers, thinkers and problem-solvers who have the confidence to apply their learning well beyond the classroom.
Best wishes to all our September birthday girls ....
Best wishes to all our September birthday girls ....
Thea Aiken, Sophie Christenson, Lucinda Clendinning, Fanyi Dong, Lacey Douglas, Chelsea Feng, Lola Ferguson, Camilla Grills, Valerie Ham, Kithmi Jayaratne, Olivia Johnson, Navita Maher, Evie Matthews, Rebecca Mawi, Rose McDonagh, Ava McKay, Ella McKinnon, Charli Milton, Aurora Morley, Ella Williams, Claire Wright, Mylee Yu, Penny Zhang.
We look forward to seeing you all this week
We look forward to seeing you all this week
Junior School Open Afternoon Tuesday, 1 September 3.30pm-5.30pm,;Kindergarten Transition Wednesday, 2 September 9.30am to 11.30am; Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday, 3 September; Grandparents Morning Tea - Friday, 4 September and Starry Day & Night Concerts - Friday, 4 September.
Junior School Open Afternoon Tuesday, 1 September 3.30pm-5.30pm,;Kindergarten Transition Wednesday, 2 September 9.30am to 11.30am; Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday, 3 September; Grandparents Morning Tea - Friday, 4 September and Starry Day & Night Concerts - Friday, 4 September.
Please book for catering purposes below.
Please book for catering purposes below.
Senior School News
Senior School News
Mrs Kate Clynch
Head of Senior School
Voting for our 2027 Leaders
Voting for our 2027 Leaders
Well done to all the girls who have stepped forward to nominate themslves for a 2027 leadership postion.
Following a week of nominee interviews by our College Principal, Mrs Nicola Taylor, and our Head of Senior School, Mrs Kate Clynch, the applicant manifestos are now on display in the Dining Hall and you can also find them all here in a gallery.
Pastoral Care Calls
Pastoral Care Calls
During Week 5 and 6, our pastoral care teams for Years 7 to 12 are making phone calls home.
These calls are a simple check-in call, to connect and discuss how your daughter is at this point in Term 3. So, please don’t panic if you see a missed call or message from the school over the coming weeks.
We look forward to connecting with you.
We look forward to connecting with you.
2026 Exams Years 7-1
2026 Exams Years 7-1
Our exam period for Years 7-10 is coming up, and we wanted to let you know what the procedures are for these exams.
We know that the prospect of an exam period can be a little daunting partiularly for our younger students. These exams are just another assessment task in our whole year program of assessment, and it is helpful for students to know that these exams are not something to be feared.
The exams will be held in our DKC in an exam hall style with Years 7-10. Students will sit at individual desks, and complete their exams under exam conditions. These are pen and paper exams.
Before each exam starts, students will have a period of study time to get settled for the upcoming exam. Students will also have a double period in the middle of each of the exam days where they will be able to study independently in the DKC, under teacher supervision.
Students will be encouraged to have hard copy study materials for these study sessions, and will only be able to access their devices during the middle session if required.
Students have been issued with an exam notification for each exam, which will allow students to know what material they need to prepare for each exam.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch with Kate Clynch, Head of Senior School.
Wellbeing Wednesday
Wellbeing Wednesday
Each Wednesday, we run a creative wellbeing program for students in years 7-11 in small groups. In addition to the small group sessions, we also set aside time for individual sessions and tailored small groups.
Where possible, we attempt to identify girls we believe would benefit from additional support or creative wellbeing time. In these cases, parents are contacted to receive permission for their daughter to participate. However, we realise there may be many girls who wish to take advantage of this creative wellbeing time, and we would love to provide them with this opportunity.
Therefore, we wish to invite parents to please let us know if your daughter, or a suggested small group, would be keen to take advantage of this service. There are no additional costs involved, and students may attend over several weeks, depending on their needs and availability.
The creative wellbeing space is colourful, welcoming and relaxed, providing an environment where students can unwind through painting, drawing and other creative activities while engaging in supportive, confidential conversations. For some students, the sessions provide a chance to relax, connect and recharge. For others, they may offer additional support with concerns such as anxiety, stress, friendships, self-confidence, homesickness (for boarders), or other wellbeing challenges.
The program is facilitated by Paula Jenkins, a qualified Art Therapist and professional artist, currently completing a Master of Counselling. She brings extensive experience supporting young people through creative wellbeing programs, art therapy and mentoring.
If you would like to discuss whether these sessions may be suitable for your daughter, please feel free to contact her at pjenkins@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or you can call her directly on 0439 384 433.
We look forward to continuing to support the wellbeing of our students.
We look forward to continuing to support the wellbeing of our students.
2026 Merino Challenge Report
2026 Merino Challenge Report
by Annie Wake and the team.
Tim, Briony, our Year 10 Ag class and I headed down to Dubbo for the NSW School Merino weather challenge. We had a slight setback due to heavy rain, delaying our departure, as waterproofing the trailer to stop our sheep from getting wet needed to be a priority.
Our week was packed full with day trips around Dubbo, including the goat sale, cattle sale, a tour through Fletcher's abattoir, Genstock AI technologies, Roseville Park sheep stud, DMS meat and seafood, as well as many educational lessons set up as part of the Schools Challenge event.
We had huge success with our 6 weathers, and we were competing against 67 schools and a total of 600 students. We achieved:
● 3rd place Zone 1 Best presented out of wool
● 2nd place Zone 1 Best presented out of wool
● 2nd place Zone 1 Highest wool value
● First out of Zone 1 Highest carcase value
● First in zone 1 best presented in wool
● Zone 1 champion
● Overall best presented group in wool
Our week taught us so much about the different enterprises in the Agricultural industry. Through practical experiences, speaking with experts in the field and the opportunity to ask lots of questions, we learnt so much.
"My highlight from Dubbo was definitely winning all the ribbons we did, getting some time off school and having fun with all of my friends. The whole week was a great experience, and we all learnt heaps," Hollie Higgins said.
"What surprised me the most about this excursion was seeing Fletcher’s abattoir and learning how many carcasses they process in a day across two shifts and how quickly the workers worked together to process the animals," Nylah Webb said.
Semester 2 SIP Projects
Semester 2 SIP Projects
Our Special Interest Projects (SIP) will be continuing in Term 3, with some new projects on offer for students in Years 7-10.
SIP is designed to broaden learning experiences, developing students' interests and talents across diverse areas. The program structure involves four semester-long projects over a two-year period built around the four pillars of student experience at PLC Armidale:
Academic Endeavour
Creative and Performing Arts
Leadership and Service
Sport and Outdoor Education
In Semester Two 2026, students will have the opportunity to participate in one of these five distinct project streams:
Sport and Outdoor Education - Conditioning and Strength for Injury Prevention
Creative and Performing Arts - Acapella Singing/Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
Academic Endeavour - Tournament of the Minds - developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline of collaboration within a challenging and competitive environment.
Academic Endeavour - Beyond the Kaleidoscope - involvement in the production of 'The Scope', PLC Armidale’s student magazine
Creative Arts/Academic Endeavour - Textile Project ‘Make your own PJs
Explore Serve Journey (ESJ)
Explore Serve Journey (ESJ)
While our sequence of Explore Serve Journey programs spans Kindergarten to Year 12, peak experiences occur in the middle years of schooling. These are part of our curriculum and included in your tuition fees.
This is a particularly challenging time for girls in terms of dealing with change, developing identity, and navigating social relationships. The following programs assist students in moving through this turbulent stage with courage and character.
More information on each will be sent closer to the time.
ESJ in the Senior School
Year 7 - 4 days in Term 3 Connection and Belonging (3-6 August). See 2025 photos HERE
Year 8 - 5 days in Term 3 - Flourish or Flounder (3-7 August ). See 2025 photos HERE
Year 9 - 28 days in Term 4 – Every girl’s a boarder (25 October to 21 November ). See 2025 photos HERE
Year 10 - 13 Days in Term 1 – A Journey from the highest city to the highest mountain (21 March to 1 April). See 2025 photos HERE
Year 11 - 6 Days in Term 1 Rock and Rope – ‘Hanging Out’ in the Blue Mountains (15-20 February). See 2025 photos HERE
Service Learning Trips
These are optional peak experiences for our girls - costs will be quoted when you are invited to submit an expression of interest.
Years7/8 Central Australia Cultural Immersion Experience
Years10/11 Thaliand Agape Orphanage
2026 in the Senior School
2026 in the Senior School
Key Senior School Staff
Key Senior School Staff
Principal - Mrs Nicola Taylor
Head of Senior School - Mrs Kate Clynch
Academic Leadership Team
Director of Studies - Ms Julie Flanagan
Head of Humanities - Mr Mitchell Clendinning
Head of STEM - Mrs Kate Fittler
Head of Creative and Performing Arts - Mrs Joanne Wysel
Director of Music - Mr Matthew Minter
Director of Sport - Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Co-Heads of Boarding - Mr Sam Jacometti and Ms Margaret Latham
College Chaplain - Ms Jennifer Leahy
Pastoral Care Staff
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.
Where possible, our Year Mentors remain with students on their journey throughout from Year 7 through to Year 9, and then with a new Mentor and Pastoral Care team from Year 10 to Year 12.
In addition, a Year Specialist has been allocated to assist students in each year group, and this person generally stays on this same year group for a number of rotations. Mentors and Specialists are also ably assisted by their Pastoral Care team members, under the oversight of the Head of Senior School, the College Chaplain, and our School Psychologist.
Year 7 - MENTOR: Yvette Ballard
Year 7 - Specialist: James Haggerty (Compass Program)
Year 7 Pastoral Care Team: Ruth Patrick
Year 8 - MENTOR: Grace Baker
Year 8 - Specialist: Jennifer Leahy
Year 8 Pastoral Care Team: Brian Shumack
Year 9 - MENTOR: Margarita Perez
Year 9 - Specialist: Amanda Burney
Year 9 Pastoral Care Team: Alasdair Hey
Year 10 - MENTOR: Emma Schaeffer
Year 10 - Specialist: Mitchell Clendinning
Year 10 Pastoral Care Team: Roxanne Shumack
Year 11 - MENTOR: Matthew Minter
Year 11 - Specialist: Jo Wysel
Year 11 Pastoral Care Team: Mr Tim Pears
Year 12 - MENTOR: Kate Fittler
Year 12 - Specialist: Julie Flanagan
Year 12 Pastoral Care Team: Greg Cotterell
Pathways Pastoral Care - Kirsten Hey, Angela Priebbenow
Mobile Phones
Mobile Phones
Students are not required to have a mobile phone at school. If one is brought, it must be switched off and not accessed during the school day.
Limited-function phones, or phones with low/no data for students in Stages 4 and 5 (Years 7 - 10) are preferred. If a mobile phone is brought to school, it is to be stored in the student’s locker, not pocket or bag. Students are required to secure their lockers with their own padlock.
Progressive Reporting in 2026 (Edumate and Reports)
Progressive Reporting in 2026 (Edumate and Reports)
Ongoing feedback and student reflection on learning are essential to measure understanding, strengths and areas for growth.
The engagement of parents in this process is a way to enhance communication between the College and home, providing an opportunity for parents to follow up with teachers regarding their child’s progress.
By logging regularly into Edumate, you will be able to see your daughter's assessment test results, teacher feedback on the task and upcoming tasks to put on the family calendar.
To access your daughter’s results, once into Edumate, you will see a tab titled ‘Progress’. From there, click on Past Tasks. You will also be able to see Upcoming Tasks and previous Academic Reports.
You can also access information on our school app ‘Carer Orbit’ here: Using the Carer Orbit APP
If you have forgotten or misplaced your login details for Edumate, please contact helpdesk@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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
PLC Armidale Pockets
PLC Armidale Pockets
A PLC Armidale 'pocket' refers to embroidery on the blazer pocket that recognises students’ achievements throughout the year across four key pillars: Academic Endeavour; Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) ; Sport and Leadership and Service.
Each pillar has four levels of attainment: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Outright Gold Star, allowing students’ accomplishments to be displayed in a practical and lasting way on their uniform.
Boarding Life
Boarding Life
Margaret Latham and Sam Azon-Jacometti
Heads of Boarding
Boarding House Representative Council
Boarding House Representative Council
Our Pathways representatives on the Boarder Representative Council - Fanyi Dong(Finnley) and Anna Song
Our Pathways representatives on the Boarder Representative Council - Fanyi Dong(Finnley) and Anna Song
Our 2026 Boarders Representative Council (BRC) team.
Our 2026 Boarders Representative Council (BRC) team.
We encourage parents to keep in contact with the Boarding House Staff.
We encourage parents to keep in contact with the Boarding House Staff.
The phone number for the House Mother front desk is 02 6770 1716.
The phone number for the House Mother front desk is 02 6770 1716.
There will be a House Mother on duty at the desk:
There will be a House Mother on duty at the desk:
Weekday mornings 6.45am - 9am
Weekday mornings 6.45am - 9am
Weekday afternoons/evenings 2.30pm - 11pm
Weekday afternoons/evenings 2.30pm - 11pm
Saturday 8am - 11pm
Saturday 8am - 11pm
Sunday 8am -10.30pm
Sunday 8am -10.30pm
The House Mother's mobile number during normal Boarding House hours: is 0417 033 424
The House Mother's mobile number during normal Boarding House hours: is 0417 033 424
We also have a landline phone for boarders to use to ring home if they don't have a mobile phone. Parents can also ring this number to speak with their daughter: 02 6770 1739.
We also have a landline phone for boarders to use to ring home if they don't have a mobile phone. Parents can also ring this number to speak with their daughter: 02 6770 1739.
Junior School News
Junior School News
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
2026 Junior School Leadership Team
2026 Junior School Leadership Team
Our Semester 2 Junior School Student Representative Council Members
Our Semester 2 Junior School Student Representative Council Members
Invite your friends and family to experience the wonderful world of our Junior School.
Invite your friends and family to experience the wonderful world of our Junior School.
Join us for our Junior School Open Afternoon and see our students proudly showcase their learning.
Across the afternoon, classrooms will be open with displays of student learning and Special Interest Projects, alongside sport and music showcases.
Our Junior School student leaders will take an active role in the afternoon, developing their leadership skills as they welcome visitors and MC elements of the program.
Refreshments and afternoon tea will also be available, so please feel free to drop in, have a look around and enjoy some time with us.
Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to ...
... all our Junior School AMEB Speech and Drama certificate recipients
... all our Junior School AMEB Speech and Drama certificate recipients
2026 IPSHA Athletics Report
2026 IPSHA Athletics Report
by Emma Pracy - Junior School Sport Coordinator
It's been another wonderful experience for our Junior School students attending the 2026 IPSHA Athletics competition at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
We are so proud of our girls.
They committed to training, pushed through the rain and sleet, and exemplified our PLC values the entire time, demonstrating admirable sportsmanship.
Not only did they support and cheer on each other, but also competitors from other schools.
Our journey began with a long day of driving on Tuesday, 26 August. Students passed the time by playing games, singing their favourite songs, chatting with friends and even knitting… and even homework! On arrival in Sydney, the girls enjoyed dinner at the Locker Room to fuel up ahead of race day, followed by the highly anticipated trip to Cold Rock (fast becoming an IPSHA tradition).
With an early 6am start on Wednesday and after a quick brekki, we headed to the Athletics Centre for a day full of excitement, nerves and anticipation. The girls gave it their all across many events including the 100m, 200m, 800m, 100m relay, discus, shot put and long jump. The girls achieved numerous personal bests and PLC came home with a number of ribbons. A big congratulations to Lana for achieving first overall in discus and second overall in shot put. She'll now be travelling back down to Sydney again in week 7 to compete in CIS. Good luck Lana! We can't wait to hear how you go!
Some highlights from our girls include:
Getting a lot of PBs (our training paid off!)
Having fun and cheering for others
Teamwork in the relay
The experience of competing in the big Sydney stadium
Getting a taste of what it feels like to be a proper athlete
Cold Rock (of course)
Seeing the pretty city lights at night time
Challenges:
800m – running out of breath on the last lap
Going from running on grass to running on synthetic track
Learning how to start properly – this was a challenge, but so much better
Overcoming our nerves leading up to the events
Pushing through the pain and exhaustion during our events
The loooooooong bus trip to and from Sydney
A massive thank you to our coach, Emma Lancaster, for volunteering her time to support and guide our girls on the day. Your expertise and professionalism are truly appreciated. Thank you also to all our parents and family members who were able to join us on the day to encourage and support the girls. It was wonderful to have such a big PLC Armidale group this year. Also, a massive thank you to Mr Staniucha for driving us there and back safely and to Mrs Donaldson for her support.
Stage 1
Stage 1
It's hard to believe that we have already reached the halfway mark for Term 3!
This term Stage 1 has had a focus on applying our skills in real life situations. For example, we can confidently count by fives. This will help us when we need to count a large number of items - we don't need to count them one by one!
Our THRASS raps and THRASS charts can help us spell, even when we are writing in our Science journals! Students are learning to have an attempt at spelling unknown words by saying the word and listening to the phonemes that they hear. Students then use their THRASS charts to select the most appropriate graphemes for the word. We may not always find the correct grapheme but it makes for great discussion about the rules of spelling!
In Science and Technology we have grown some bean seeds and are amazed at the quick growth of the plants. Not only have we discovered how to care for plants with water and sunshine but we have also discovered how gentle we need to be with seedlings. When leaves have accidentally been knocked off we have had to 'dig deep' and find our resilience. In some cases, we have started the growing process again. Gardening is not for the faint hearted!
Stage 1 looks forward to sharing their classroom with visitors next Tuesday at the Junior School Open Day.
Stage 1 looks forward to sharing their classroom with visitors next Tuesday at the Junior School Open Day.
Year 5 Science: Amazing Adaptations
Year 5 Science: Amazing Adaptations
This term, Year 5 is diving into the fascinating world of adaptations! Students are exploring how structural and behavioural features help animals, plants and humans survive and reproduce in their environments. Through hands-on activities, simulations and research, the girls are investigating concepts such as cooperation, echolocation, opposable thumbs, pollination and seed dispersal. They'll also consider adaptation trade-offs, and how nature has inspired some clever human inventions.
We kicked off the unit by turning our classroom into a science lab, investigating just how much we rely on our opposable thumbs! Working in pairs, students completed everyday tasks — writing their name, tying shoelaces, building towers — first with the use of their thumbs, and then again with their thumbs taped out of action.
Along the way, the girls worked like real scientists: forming a hypothesis, identifying the independent, dependent and controlled variables, running multiple trials to check their accuracy, and recording their data carefully. It was brilliant to see the girls' surprise (and laughter!) as they discovered just how much harder simple tasks become without this small but powerful adaptation.
We look forward to sharing more of our learning as the term progresses!
Open to all families of girls aged 10-12 in the region - regardless of where they go to school. Attend in person or online.
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!
You can find all the photos on our Parent Portal HERE
Junior School Handbook
Junior School Handbook
Please take the time to thoroughly read the Junior School Handbook, which contains essential information regarding the daily operations of the Junior School. This resource will assist in ensuring a smooth and informed start to the year.
Uniform Standards and Digital Technology Expectations
Uniform Standards and Digital Technology Expectations
Uniform slips will be placed in student diaries as gentle reminders about maintaining our uniform standards. Additionally, digital technology protocols and expectations should be reviewed with your daughter. A signature panel is provided in her student diary, and we ask that it be signed to indicate that these guidelines have been read and understood, ensuring a shared commitment to safe and responsible technology use.
Homework Expectations
Homework Expectations
Homework for all students will be distributed every Monday and should be submitted each Friday. Repetition and mastery play a vital role in deep learning, and at our school, we strongly encourage students to embrace these practices.
Key Dates and Upcoming Events
Key Dates and Upcoming Events
Please refer to the School Calendar and your daughter's Diary on the PLC Armidale Orbit App and Lion's Roar for upcoming events. Additionally, schedules will be attached to the weekly homework sheets to assist families in staying organised, followed by a message through the PLC Armidale App with urgent or reminder messages via SMS. We are trying to reduce the amount of emails appearing in your inbox, so using these alternative platforms is our approach.
Celebrating Learning - Class Features!
Celebrating Learning - Class Features!
Each edition of our Lions Roar newsletter will showcase a different class on rotation, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student learning and achievements. This newsletter also serves as a platform to highlight our students' activities outside of school, fostering a strong sense of community.
After-School Collection and Safety Protocols
After-School Collection and Safety Protocols
For safety reasons, after-school collection at 3:45 pm will be from the front gate only. The side reception area is designated for bus boarding, so keeping it clear is appreciated. This also applies to morning drop-off. The front curb is a designated drop-off point. If you need to speak with staff, please use the parking areas to avoid disrupting traffic flow. Students attending Homework Centre should be collected from the side gate if the front reception is locked.
See you this week
See you this week
BookWeek Parade - Monday, 31 August
BookWeek Parade - Monday, 31 August
Junior School Open Afternoon - Tuesday, 1 September
Junior School Open Afternoon - Tuesday, 1 September
PreK/Kindergarten Transition Morning and Parent Workshop - Wednesday, 2 September
PreK/Kindergarten Transition Morning and Parent Workshop - Wednesday, 2 September
Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday, 3 September
Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday, 3 September
Grandparents Morning Tea - Friday, 4 September
Grandparents Morning Tea - Friday, 4 September
Starry Day & Night Concerts - Friday, 4 September
Starry Day & Night Concerts - Friday, 4 September
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) News
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) News
Mrs Joanne Wysel
Head of Creative and Performing Arts. (CAPA)
This Friday we will hold our annual Starry Night of Creative and Performing Arts in the NECOM auditorium at 6:00pm (Note the change in venue).
This Friday we will hold our annual Starry Night of Creative and Performing Arts in the NECOM auditorium at 6:00pm (Note the change in venue).
The Starry Night is a highlight of the year for our College. This exciting evening will showcase the breadth of talent across the Senior School, featuring performances from our Drama, Dance, and Music ensembles. This is a compulsory event for all students involved in any of the ensembles performing.
To ensure all items are performance ready in the venue we will be holding some important staging and sound checks from 4:15pm. See below for the arrival times for the warm ups for each of the different groups. Students are to arrive promptly at least ten minutes before the call of their item and all students involved need to be in attendance by 5:30pm.
Students should have a substantial afternoon meal before arriving, as the evening will be busy and sustained energy is important.
Please find below some more information about our Starry Night of Creative and Performing Arts:
When: Friday 4th September, from 5:30pm, Time: 6:00pm start
Students to arrive as follows:
Senior Strings - 4:15pm
Stage 5 Music - 4:45pm
Year 12 Music 1 students and Dance/Drama students- 5:00pm
Dance and Drama Ensembles - 5:15pm
All other students - 5:30pm (All students to arrive by 5:30pm unless rehearsing at the venue beforehand ).
What to wear: Full winter uniform with blazers, polished shoes and hair ribbons, or dance/drama costume as appropriate for their item.
What to bring: All students must bring their water bottle. Instrumentalists will require their instrument and drama and dance students will require their costumes.
We warmly encourage families to join us for what promises to be a fabulous celebration of the Arts at PLC Armidale. Tickets are available for purchase through Humanitix HERE
2027 PLC Armidale Musical
2027 PLC Armidale Musical
Thank you to all the students who came to our information evening on Monday night for our 2027 Musical, 'Beauty and the Beast'. It was an exciting night, with lots of information, and we are very pleased to have started the journey toward our next musical production.
If you were unable to attend the information evening, but are keen to know more about being in the musical, please email us at
musical@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
so we can add you to our list.
There will be some more information soon about signing up for auditions and being added to the Canvas course that will contain audition materials for you to use to prepare.
Mrs Wysel also has some hard copies of the audition booklet that you can collect from her if you didn't get one on the information night and would like one.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Mrs Clynch, Mrs Wysel, Mr Jacometti and Mrs Dunham
We can’t wait! See you at the information session in Week 6.
We can’t wait! See you at the information session in Week 6.
Private Music Tuition
Private Music Tuition
The PLC Armidale Private Tuition program allows girls to take part in instrumental and vocal lessons at the College. Lessons are offered on an individual and rotational basis by highly qualified teachers who are experts in their field. Most students have a 30-minute lesson; however, advanced students may negotiate a longer lesson time. Instruments on offer include violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, euphonium, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, piano, voice, guitar, recorder or drums.
If you are interested in these lessons for your daughter, please email the Director of Music at mminter@plcarimidale.nsw.edu.au or complete the Google form sent to girls and families.
Save the Date
Save the Date
2026 Major musical dates:
2026 Major musical dates:
4 September: Starry Day/Starry Night of CAPA/Grandparents Day
21 October: Term 4 In-House Concert
20 November: Junior School Time to Shine
24 November: String Soiree
If you have any questions about Music at PLC Armidale please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Music at mminter@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
If you have any questions about Music at PLC Armidale please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Music at mminter@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
SPORT News
SPORT News
Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Head of Sport
IGSA 2026 Netball and Hockey Teams
IGSA 2026 Netball and Hockey Teams
2026 IGSA Hockey Teams
2026 IGSA Hockey Teams
2026 IGSA Netball Teams
2026 IGSA Netball Teams
Pathways International Student News
Pathways International Student News
Mrs Kirsten Hey
Director of Pathways
Our new Pathways students - Welcome Grace, Maven and Zoey
Our new Pathways students - Welcome Grace, Maven and Zoey
How long do you think it would take you to settle into a new country? To learn a new language? To spend your days hearing unfamiliar words, navigating a new school and adjusting to new routines? Would you be brave enough to start a new life somewhere completely new?
This term, we have welcomed three new members to our Pathways class, and it has been wonderful to see them gradually settle into the routines of school and become part of the PLC community.
We are incredibly grateful to our longer-term classmates, who have been patient, welcoming and willing to “show them the ropes” as they find their feet.
A special thank you also goes to our boarding students and staff, who have played an important role in supporting our new students as they adjust not only to an Australian school, but also to everyday life in a boarding school. Their kindness, friendship and willingness to include others have helped make what could be a daunting experience feel a little more like home.
We are delighted to have our new classmates with us and look forward to seeing their confidence, friendships and sense of belonging continue to grow throughout the year.
We are delighted to have our new classmates with us and look forward to seeing their confidence, friendships and sense of belonging continue to grow throughout the year.
P&F News
P&F News
Shili Wang
P&F President
We need you for Term 3 events
We need you for Term 3 events
This term we will be running the refreshment stand at the Starry Night Concert at NECOM on the evening of 4 September, and we need your help.
Thank you to Ben Carruthers and Warwick Koina for helping with this year's Father's Day Barbecue.
If you can help, please contact us at pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for your continued support of the P&F.
Thank you for your continued support of the P&F.
For appointments: https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/stores (it's the same as the website to buy online).
Pre-K School Uniform
Pre-K School Uniform
Junior School Uniform
Junior School Uniform
Senior School Uniform
Senior School Uniform
GREEN TARTAN
GREEN TARTAN
ALUMNAE NEWS
ALUMNAE NEWS
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
Want to get together with your class?
Want to get together with your class?
If you are interested in joining or organising a milestone reunion group during the Reunion Weekend in August, please get in touch with us at enquiries@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 2028 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
Page updated
Report abuse