MRS NICOLA TAYLOR
PRINCIPAL
For our Class of 2026, this week has marked an important milestone. Final Assembly, Activities Day, the Colour Run, Valedictory Assembly and Dinner each provided an opportunity to reflect on just how far each girl has travelled since they first walked through the gates of PLC Armidale. We have watched girls grow in knowledge, accomplishment, confidence, resilience, independence and character.
Valedictory is something of a paradox. We farewell our Year 12 girls while reminding them that they are not quite finished yet! Their formal academic program at PLC Armidale may now be complete, but the HSC examinations still lie ahead. There is more preparation to be done, perseverance required and more courage to summon before they can finally close their schoolbooks.
At our Valedictory Assembly, I reflected on the world into which many of these young women were born in 2008 and the extraordinary changes they have witnessed during their relatively short lives. Yet amid all that change, some things remain enduringly important: the courage to make difficult choices, the character to do what is right when no one is watching, the resilience to keep going when things do not unfold as we hoped, and the wisdom to recognise that success rarely walks a straight line.
These messages were reinforced beautifully by ...
... our Valedictory Guest Speaker, Dr Georgina Cornall,(Class of 2016) who encouraged the girls to pursue areas they are passionate about, to recognise that growth comes through perseverance, and to have the courage to pursue the opportunities before them.
Her message was an important reminder that the years ahead will not necessarily unfold according to a carefully constructed plan and that this is not something to fear. Often it is through challenge, persistence and unexpected opportunities that we discover both what we are capable of and where we can make our greatest contribution.
Already, the achievements of the Class of 2026 give us much to celebrate.
Congratulations to our Music 1 students Molly Chard, Jade Foster and Lila Killen, who have received nominations for ENCORE, the HSC Music performance showcase event while we await the consideration of our Music Compositions by Lila Killen and Music 2 Extention student Binudi Vithana.
Congratulations also to Emily Adams, Rebe Cunningham, Jade Foster, Jessica MacMahon and Navita Maher, who received nominations for OnSTAGE, with Rebe Cunningham and Jade Foster being nominated for their Individual Drama Performances. These nominations recognise not only talent, but also the countless hours of practice, rehearsal, refinement and perseverance which sit behind an outstanding performance. We are enormously proud of each girl and their teachers Mrs Jo Wysel (Drama), Mr Sam Jacometti (Music 1) who have encouraged, challenged and supported them along the way.
As Year 12 continue to prepare for the final examinations, I encourage them to approach these last weeks as they have approached so much of their journey: one step, one day and one challenge at a time. An examination result can tell us something about what a student knew and could demonstrate on a particular day; it can never capture the full measure of a young woman — her kindness, courage, curiosity, integrity, humour, friendships, service or potential. Those qualities will ultimately matter far beyond the examination room.
As we finish the term, I extend my sincere thanks to our staff for the extraordinary contribution made to the College and commitment to their students from PreKinder right through to Year 12. Thank you to our families for your partnership and support, and especially to our students for the energy, enthusiasm and engagement they bring each day.
For some, the coming weeks will provide a well-earned opportunity to rest and recharge. For others, the adventure continues. We wish our Year 8 girls travelling to Central Australia a wonderful experience as they explore one of the most remarkable parts of our country, and our Year 10 and 11 students participating in the Thailand Service Learning Tour a safe and meaningful journey. Both groups are keen to embrace the opportunity to learn from the people and places they encounter, to serve generously and to return with a broader understanding of themselves and their world.
To every member of our PLC Armidale community, thank you for another wonderful term. I wish you a safe, restorative and enjoyable break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the final term of 2026.
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....
who raised more than $1500 for Anya's Wish during their final week on campus.
The girls have now set up their 19for19 Challenge Team and invite you to either join them on the day ( Sunday, 18 October) or donate to their team.
Join the team
http://raceroster.com/events/2026/112014/19-for-19-challenge/register?team=1066977
Make a donation to the team
http://raceroster.com/events/2026/112014/19-for-19-challenge/pledge/team/1066977
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 to remember Anya, including her mother and health professionals developing Anya's Wish and the 19 for 19 Challenge to fund research and improve outcomes for children diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
who have all been nominated for possible inclusion in ENCORE—an outstanding achievement and wonderful recognition of their musical talent and dedication.
ENCORE showcases a selection of exceptional performances, compositions and musicology works by HSC Music students from across NSW at the Sydney Opera House in February.
Best wishes also to Lila and Binudi Vithana (Music 2/Extension) who are waiting to hear regarding possible music composition selection
who were crowned 2026 Independent Girls School Association champions!
Our Senior team broke a 0–0 deadlock against Kincoppal–Rose Bay when Tabitha Havas scored on full-time to secure a thrilling 1–0 Grand Final victory—following a hard-fought 3–2 win over Abbotsleigh in the semi- final.
Our undefeated Junior team backed up a commanding 3–1 semi-final victory over NEGS by defeating Ascham 2–0 to claim the championship.
IGSA Sport’s graded competitions involve between 5,000 and 6,300 students from 32 member schools each term, with 28 of those schools based in Sydney.
The hockey competition attracts more than 110 teams and about 1,500 players.
Our Stage 3, Stage 4 and Stage 5 teams all advanced to the knockout stage, placing each among the top eight teams in their division nationally.
With more than 140 teams competing across six Australian states and four divisions, this was an outstanding achievement.
Yethumi Horathalge, April Ferguson, Grace Elbourne and Valerie Ham
Sophie Clendinning, Isla Douglas, Kushmi Jayaratne and Georgina Arundale-Fuller
Tahlia Burney, Georgina Blake, Kithmi Jayaratne and Rebecca Mawi
Georgina Arundale-Fuller, Laura Butterworth, Lily Donaldson, Bella Fittler, Nina Fittler, Isla Griffith, Madison Leahy, Zihan Li, Brianna Marshall, Lucy Milunovic, Lucie Stephen, Harper Stone, Dorothy Tierney, Tiffany Tierney,
Mrs Kate Clynch
Head of Senior School
See all the Assembly photos including a complete list of prize recipients list HERE
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.
Our Special Interest Projects (SIP) will continue in Term 4 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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Margaret Latham and Sam Azon-Jacometti
Heads of Boarding
Mrs Fiona Wake
Head of Junior School
Open to all families of girls aged 10-12 in the region - regardless of where they go to school. Attend in person or online.
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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mrs Lucy Donaldson
Head of Sport
who played with the Season Champions Dungown Cowboys Team U13's Girls - scoring a try and converting three more in the Grand Final!
We’re excited to announce that badminton is back in the gym throughout Term 4!
Come along to serve, rally, smash and have some fun on Tuesday afternoons.
Whether you’re an experienced badminton player or have never picked up a racquet before, everyone is welcome! The sessions are a great opportunity to improve your skills, learn some new techniques, get active and enjoy some friendly competition with friends.
Students can come along, have a hit and develop their confidence on the court in a relaxed and supportive environment. You don’t need to be an expert, just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to play!
Please remember that by selecting a sport you are required to maintain your commitment to that sport for the entire term. Only choose the sports that you are willing to commit to and take particular note of what day they are on.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Mrs Lucy Donaldson, Head of Sport.
ldonaldson@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
There is an opportunity for any Senior School girls who would like to help coach our Junior School girls in Indoor Hockey - Thursday afternoons from 4pm. This may be counted towards DoE
Maintains fitness and increases muscle strength and endurance in PLC DKC- Cost: $60/term
Monday 4:00pm - 5:00pm ; Wednesday 6:30am - 7:30am and Friday 6:30am - 7:30am
Friday afternoons/evenings 4:00pm - 6:30pm at The Den - Approximate cost $60 per term
Tuesday afternoons 4:00pm - 6:30pm @ ASC - Approximate cost $80/term
Tuesday mornings 6:00am to 7:00am; Monday and Wednesday afternoons 5:00pm-6pm Cost: $148 per term for 1 session/week, $240 per term for 2 sessions/week or $300 per term for 3 sessions/week.
Tuesday afternoons from 4:00pm to 6:30pm @ PLC - Approximate cost $20/term
Wednesday afternoons at Rologas Fields. Game times TBC (usually from 5pm) Approximate cost $50-$70/term
Friday 6:30am-7:30am - Squad training @ PLC (competitive) Approximate cost $50-$70/term
Friday afternoons 4pm-6pm - Round Robin Game Play all levels @ PLC - Free for all participants
When: Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Season starts October 20th)
Where: SportUNE
Cost: $65 per player
Registrations Close: Sunday, 18 October
Looking for a team? UNE are hosting a Come & Try Session on Thursday, October 15th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM! It's a great opportunity for any junior players who want to join the competition to come down, have a kick, and get placed into a team.
How to register: Team registration is completely free for parents or coaches to set up. Once your team is registered, you can share a link with the players to register themselves individually.
Use this link https://www.playhq.com/football-au/register/45dd09
or head to SportUNE's website to register your team
Mrs Joanne Wysel
Head of Creative and Performing Arts. (CAPA)
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.
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
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.
21 October: Term 4 In-House Concert
20 November: Junior School Time to Shine
24 November: String Soiree
Shili Wang
P&F President
Contact us at pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
For appointments: https://www.noone.com.au/school/plc-armidale/stores (it's the same as the website to buy online).
On the final day of school, we officially welcomed the Year 12 students into a lifelong sisterhood at a special afternoon tea, where each girl received her OGU membership pin.
As they prepared to leave the College campus, they knew they will always remain part of our PLC Armidale college community.
Ad Astra, ladies!
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
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
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.