Research Program Enters Second Year

The partnership between the PLC Armidale and the University of New England (UNE) aims to reduce serious knee injuries among young female athletes and fill a gap in global research.

The joint scholarship project focuses on preventing injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the main ligaments that stabilises the knee. ACL injuries are common in sports such as football, netball, basketball and rugby, and young women are significantly more likely to suffer these injuries, particularly during their teenage years.

Researchers are now beginning a major trial to test whether a targeted strength-training program can make the ACL stronger and more resilient during adolescence.

UNE National Industry PhD candidate Oskar Staniucha, who is leading the study, said much sports science research has traditionally focused on adult male athletes.

“Female athletes go through different physical changes during adolescence, which can affect both performance and injury risk,” Mr Staniucha said. “If we want to reduce injuries and keep girls participating in sport, we need research that is specifically focused on them.”

PLC Armidale Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor said the collaboration reflects the College’s commitment to empowering young women of character to lead lives of significance.

“As an all-girls school, we understand the unique challenges young female athletes face,” Mrs Taylor said. “This partnership ensures our students are part of important research designed specifically for young women — research that could improve safety and participation in sport well beyond our campus.”

The study will use MRI scans, strength testing and movement analysis, along with a structured 20-week training program. By tracking how the ligament changes during adolescence, researchers hope to better understand why ACL injuries are so common in teenage girls.

“Most injury prevention programs focus on how athletes move,” Mr Staniucha said. “But the ligament itself may also be changing during puberty. If it is temporarily weaker or developing at a different rate to muscle strength, that could help explain why injuries happen — even in well-trained athletes.”

The research is supported by the National Industry PhD Program, which connects universities with industry and community partners to deliver practical, real-world research.

Early testing is now underway, with MRI scans and training programs to begin in the coming months. Results from the study are expected in late 2027.

There are two research projects.

• Muscle Strength testing for girls aged between 8 and 17 years old

• ACL Training Study for girls aged 8-15 years old

Both projects require parental permission. You can find more information and the sign-up form on our Parent Portal

https://sites.google.com/plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/sport/sports/strength-conditioning

Debating Club - 

Senior School on Fridays @ lunch time

Junior School on Thursdays @ lunch time

Debating is a fantastic way to develop skills in public speaking, argumentation and teamwork. With a record number of teams and outstanding results in 2025, it was a remarkable year for debating at PLC Armidale, and we look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.

PLC Armidale will be participating in the following debating competitions this year:

• Tri Schools Debating (v NEGS & TAS) - Stage 3 and Stage 4 teams

• Archdale Virtual Debating - Independent Girls' School Association (IGSA) - Stage 4 teams

• Australian National Virtual Debating Competition (ANVDC) - Stage 5 teams

Preparation is underway for the competitions, which all begin in Term 2. No previous experience is required, so this is a great opportunity to try it and see if debating is for you.

Tri Schools and ANVDC competition rounds take place during the school day.

The Archdale Competition takes place on Tuesday afternoons starting in Week 3, Term 2. Junior Division (Year 7 and 8) teams commence their preparation time at 4:30pm and debate at 5:15pm. If your child is unavailable on a Tuesday in Term 2 or 3 (e.g. Armidale Eisteddfod sessions), please let us know so that a replacement can be organised.

Parents will receive an online permission form to complete when debates are hosted offsite at TAS or NEGS. All other debates will be at PLCA or via Zoom.

Students are to wear full school uniform for all debates (in-person and online) and bring planning paper, pens and palm cards to each debate.

The cost to be part of the PLC Armidale Debating Team for the entire 2026 debating season is $60 per student, including training sessions, competition entry fees and local excursions. If a team qualifies for the Archdale final, it will mean a trip to Sydney in Term 3 at an additional cost. 

If you would like more information on debating at PLCA, please contact our Head of Humanities, Mr Mitchell Clendinning at: mclendinning@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kate Clynch

Head of Senior School

Congratulations to ....

Award of Merit

This is the first stage of the advanced lifesaving strand, following the achievement of the Bronze Cross, and it develops advanced rescue and judgement skills.

Congratulations to Stephanie Blake, who performed the course with skill, sensitivity and understanding.

The Bronze Cross

Is an award for those who wish to extend their lifesaving skills and be further challenged. These girls further developed knowledge, judgement and skills in rescue, personal survival and emergency care and are awarded in recognition of their ability to perform aquatic rescues in a safe and efficient manner. They were challenged by increasing distances, greater difficulty, and the conditions in which rescues and lifesaving skills must be performed. 

Congratulations to our 13 students: Tahlia Burney; Lily Donaldson; Trista Dorrian; Darcie Finlayson; Bella Fittler; Camilla Grills; Hollie Higgins; Olive McFarlane; Ava McKay; Charli Milton; Poppy-Grace Newton; Imogen Scanlon; and Mila Vanzella 

who have all been awarded the Bronze Cross, which is a fantastic achievement. These girls are now eligible to begin the advanced lifesaving stream and attempt the Award of Merit.

The Bronze Medallion

For over 100 years, the Bronze Medallion has been the benchmark for lifesavers worldwide. It develops knowledge, judgement and skills in rescue, personal survival and emergency care and is awarded in recognition of the ability to perform aquatic rescues in a safe and efficient manner. 

Earning the Bronze Medallion is a real achievement, and successful candidates will become part of the deep history of lifesaving. These girls have achieved an award that is an international lifesaving standard and developed a skill set that is highly sought after in the community and by employers.  Congratulations:

The units of competency achieved through the completion of the Bronze Medallion have vocational outcomes and provide opportunities for a career pathway as the Bronze Medallion is a mandatory or recommended qualification for many careers, including teaching, emergency services, outdoor education and the aquatics industry. 

Congratulations to the following 21 students: Emma Birnie; Anna Blake; Georgina Blake; Laura Butterworth; Illiana Carruthers; Lola Ferguson; Sophia Lawlor; Brianna Marshall; Grace Kelso; Piper McLaren; Ella McKinnon; Sophia Marchant; Carla Mazzella Ruswandi; Ava Notley; Xaphyn Petuha; Hope Stoltenberg; Mindy Sue;  Hannah Swain; Charlotte Thomas; Annie Wake; and Jessical Wellings

who are now able to continue on the lifesaving pathway to attempt the Bronze Cross. 

The Bronze Star 

This course tested these girls' knowledge, fitness, skills and judgement and is a step towards achieving the iconic Bronze Medallion. Earning the Bronze Star is a real achievement, and these girls have become part of the deep history of lifesaving. They developed problem-solving and decision-making skills in learning how to recognise an emergency and make an assessment before and during a rescue. They were tested on a range of rescue skills, requiring an understanding of lifesaving and rescue principles. 

Congratulations to the 16 girls: Georgina Arundale- Fuller; Georgiana Ballard;  Olivia Barnes; Evie Donaldson ; Maddison Elborne; Isabella Forrest;  Catherine Furphy; Ava Greatrex; Sybella Manson; Beatrix Morton; Veja- Lee Petuha; Emily Roarty; Ruby Stephens; Elise Tisserand; Mary Ugwumba; Annabella Wysel 

who achieved their Bronze Star and can continue on the lifesaving pathway to attempt the Bronze Medallion training.

Join our PLC Armidale Livestock Team

 APPLY HERE

The Livestock Team is one of the most hands-on and rewarding co-curricular opportunities on offer at PLC Armidale.

The team is open to students from Year 7 and up, welcoming girls of all experience levels and from all backgrounds who are keen to learn, get involved and work as part of a dedicated team.

Students involved in the Livestock Team gain real, practical experience in animal husbandry, working through the full process of cattle preparation — including daily care, feeding, safe handling, washing, grooming and showring presentation. Team members regularly represent PLC Armidale at local and regional agricultural shows across the New England region, with opportunities to attend major events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Brisbane Ekka plus more.

The Livestock Team is inclusive and supportive, and no prior livestock experience is required — just a willingness to learn, commit and work together as a team while having fun, learning lots and making plenty of memories along the way.

Livestock Team training runs three days per week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Girls are welcome to come to all of them but only need to commit to one session per week.

Training sessions focus on animal handling, show preparation, public speaking, teamwork and developing the practical skills needed both in the ring and on-farm.

Students who join the Livestock Team gain: Hands-on, real-world agricultural skills; Confidence and leadership through teamwork; Opportunities to compete, travel and represent PLC Armidale; and Pride in being part of a highly respected school program

If you enjoy working outdoors, learning by doing and being part of a supportive, hardworking team, the PLC Armidale Livestock Team is a fantastic opportunity to get involved.

We look forward to seeing you down at the yards soon.

Briony Looker & Tim Light - PLC Armidale Livestock Team Managers.

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.

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 grit and grace.

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

NAPLAN 

Each year, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.

The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available for you to see the format of the online tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website

(https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website

(https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers).

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

Library Extended Hours Term 1, 2026

Our Senior School Library will be open for some extended hours this term, and will be staffed by our academic staff. 

Senior School teachers will be rostered on in our library each afternoon till 4.30pm, offering additional academic support for any senior school students who would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

2026 in the Senior School

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

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

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)

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

Boarding Life

Margaret Latham and Sam Azon-Jacometti 

Heads of Boarding

2026 Secondary Rural Boarding School Bursary applications are now open and will close next Friday 27 February 2026.

BCEF’s Rural Boarding Bursaries assist families experiencing financial and/or geographic challenges, helping students continue their secondary education at boarding school. These bursaries are designed to bridge the gap for rural and remote families who may otherwise face significant barriers in accessing appropriate schooling options.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance in identifying and advising any students and families who may be eligible to apply before the closing date. Early encouragement from schools often makes a significant difference in ensuring families are aware of this opportunity.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available on our website:

www.bcef.org.au/apply-for-rural-secondary-bursary

The online Rural Boarding Bursary application form can be accessed directly via:

https://form.bcef.org.au

Junior School News

Mrs Fiona Wake

Head of Junior School

PLC Armidale/UNE Research

All students may opt into a fully funded extension opportunity through a PLC Armidale / University of New England research partnership led by Oskar Staniucha. 

This optional extension supports Oskar’s PhD research into female-specific athletic training and injury prevention and includes muscle strength testing (ages 8–17) and an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) training study (ages 8–15). Students who choose to participate will take part in additional sessions and testing as outlined upon submission of an Expression of Interest via the 2026 co-curricular activity selection shared by email. Parental permission is required, and all costs are covered.

You can find more information on our Parent Portal

https://sites.google.com/plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/sport/sports/strength-conditioning

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 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 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

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!

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

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.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) News

Mrs Joanne Wysel

Head of Creative and Performing Arts. (CAPA)

Year 12 CAPA Excursion

Last week, our Year 12 Drama, Dance and Visual Arts students travelled to Sydney for an inspiring and purposeful Creative Arts immersion. Across four full days, they engaged with outstanding HSC works from across NSW, gaining insight into the level of creativity, discipline and commitment required in their final year.

For our Drama students, attending OnSTAGE at the Seymour Centre was a powerful experience. Watching exemplary Individual and Group Performances live allowed them to see what sustained characterisation, vocal control and confident stagecraft look like at the highest level. The learning extended beyond the auditorium. At Belvoir Street Theatre, students participated in a Performance Monologue workshop led by industry actors and directors, working directly on their chosen HSC monologues in a professional rehearsal space. They also explored Neighbourhood Watch in a practical workshop with a current director, working upstairs on the theatre stage itself, an invaluable opportunity to test ideas where professional productions are realised. A collaborative Group Devised workshop at the Seymour Centre challenged students to create new work alongside peers from another school, strengthening their ensemble skills and creative confidence.

Our Dance students immersed themselves in a full-day CALLBACK workshop, focusing on performance, composition and appreciation. The depth of insight into what distinguishes strong HSC work was exceptional. A question-and-answer session with 2025 students selected for CALLBACK offered practical advice and reassurance from those who have recently navigated the process. Classes at Sydney Dance Company in both ballet and contemporary pushed students technically and artistically, and it was a joy to share the studio space alongside them. The CALLBACK performances themselves were both moving and motivating, demonstrating the power of technical precision combined with authentic artistic voice.

As with any travel experience, there were a few unexpected moments,  including an eventful bus trip home,  yet our PLCA girls demonstrated resilience, maturity and good humour throughout. It was a pleasure to accompany such engaged, thoughtful young women. I was also delighted to be joined by Mrs Kylie Alcorn, whose support of our Drama and Dance students across the week was invaluable.

Experiences such as this do more than inspire; they clarify what is possible. Our students return not only energised, but focused — with a deeper understanding of excellence and a renewed determination to pursue it in their own creative practice.

IGSA Dance

I am very pleased to let you know that in 2026, in collaboration with Sydney Dance Company, we will once again be participating in the IGSA Dance Festival.

This Festival is an outstanding opportunity for our dancers. Across two intensive training days, students will work with professional choreographers in four different genres of dance, many of which may be outside their usual training. They will rehearse alongside dancers from other schools, adapt quickly to new styles and expectations, and experience the pace and discipline of a professional rehearsal environment. The program culminates in three performances, where students will present the work developed across the intensive.

It is important to understand that this is a rigorous and demanding experience. Students will train for two full days, often with dancers they do not know, and will be expected to demonstrate resilience, focus and a strong work ethic. In return, they gain invaluable insight into the professional dance world and develop both technically and artistically.

Key details are as follows:

Workshop Dates: Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 April 2026

Performance Date: Sunday 19 April 2026

Cost: TBC

Please note that these dates fall during the school holidays. I ask that families carefully check availability before a student commits to nomination. Due to the structure of the Festival, students who withdraw during the holidays may still be charged the full fee.

Our school may nominate up to three students. Nominations must be submitted in order of ability and strength, as the Festival may be oversubscribed. If additional places become available, we will be notified and may have the opportunity to nominate further students.

Nominations close at 5.00pm on 16 March 2026.

Further details regarding the exact workshop timetable and performance schedule will be shared once confirmed.

This Festival is consistently one of the most inspiring experiences our dancers undertake. If your daughter is ready to embrace an intensive, high-level training opportunity and represent the school with professionalism and commitment, I strongly encourage her to consider nominating.

Please let me know if you would like to nominate someone, or even nominate yourself for this opportunity. Depending on the numbers, we may have an audition process for selection into IGSA Dance for 2026.

Shakespeare Carnival 2026 – Step Forward

Shakespeare Carnival sign up happened this week - if you missed the meeting please come and see Mrs Wysel!

The Shakespeare Carnival returns in 2026, and this is your opportunity to extend yourself as a performer, creator and collaborator.

This is not simply about putting on a scene. It is about:

* Developing real confidence through disciplined rehearsal

* Strengthening your ability to work as an ensemble

* Thinking critically about text, intention and performance style

* Taking creative risks

* Representing your school with integrity and ambition

Students selected for Regional and State levels work with respected industry professionals who offer detailed feedback to refine and deepen your work. If you are committed to growing as an artist, this is a serious and worthwhile challenge.

Key Dates

School Carnival:

Friday 20 March (Week 8)

Regional Carnival:

Friday 15 May – PLC Armidale

State Carnival – Grand Final Weekend:

20–21 June 2026

Seymour Centre, Sydney

2026 Categories: Duologues; Ensemble Scenes; Group Devised; Dance; Physical Theatre; Music; and Smartphone Short Film

There is a category to suit every kind of performer and creative thinker.

If you are ready to challenge yourself, commit to the process and aim for excellence, this is your opportunity. Sign up and be part of Shakespeare Carnival 2026.

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. 

2026 In House Concert and other major musical dates:

• 18 March: Term 1 In House Concert

• 29 April: Term 2 In House Concert

• 8 May: PLC Performs

• 29 July: Term 3 In House Concert

• 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

SPORT News

Mrs Lucy Donaldson

Head of Sport

Congratuation to our 2026 Swmming Carnival Age Champions .....

And our winning Guild - Wilkie!

Thank you to our wonderful P&F and parent community for running the Barbecue and Cake Stall

Congratulations to ...

... Evie Matthews in Year 10

who attended and captained her team at the NSW Rugby Union Youth Academy Games in Bathurst in January and was recently identified as an emerging talent for NSW. She has been invited to participate in a Development Program which began this weekend where she is being coached by some the states best coaches and development officers.

... Isabella Wyatt in Year 7

...who with her horse Orara Park Sapphire Blue (aka ‘Blue’) had a fantastic Pony Club season and finished as as the Zone 13 Southern Interclub Gymkhanas Highest Aggregate Point Score 11 and under 13 Girls.  

Isabella and Orara Park Sapphire Blue most recently competed at the 2026 Pony Club of NSW Zone 13 Championship Jamboree in Bundarra where they represented Guyra Pony Club achieving 1st Junior Team of Fours, 1st Showjumping U13 E grade, 2nd in Bonfield bounce, 3rd in Barrels, 3rd in Flags, and 3rd in Campdraft.

Isabella’s team – ‘Guyra Junior Team of Fours’ were awarded the Highest Aggregate Junior Team Point Score Trophy - a significant achievement as this trophy has never been won by a Guyra team since its inception in 1959.

Independent Girls' School Association (IGSA) Trials- this week

The IGSA competition runs throughout Term 3 and provides our students with a wonderful opportunity to represent PLC Armidale while competing against other independent girls’ schools in Sydney. 

For our College, this involves two scheduled trips to Sydney, with the possibility of a third trip should teams progress to finals. Each trip is an additional cost of approximately $300. It is always a highlight of the sporting calendar and offers a fun, challenging and memorable experience for the girls.

Students selected into a PLC representative team will:

Compete in both the local competition (Hockey New England or ADNA Netball) and the IGSA Sydney competition

Attend one weekly team training session

Participate in at least one strength and conditioning session each week

Prioritise all team commitments across the season

Students who trial but are not selected will be placed into a PLC Armidale team to compete in the local competition only, ensuring all girls have the opportunity to continue playing.

As representative teams are selected squads, unfortunately, not all students can be chosen, and we acknowledge that disappointment can occur. We are always happy to provide feedback following trials - please contact myself for hockey feedback or Mr Greg Cotterell for netball feedback.

Nominations to trial have been recieved and the dates are as follows:

Hockey Trials - Location: Sport UNE Hockey Fields

All players Thursday 26 February

Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Students should wear full PLC sports uniform and bring shin pads, mouthguard and stick.

A bus will depart PLC at 3:45pm. Day students are to be collected from the fields after trials; boarders will return with the boarding staff.

PLC Armidale Junior Hockey Rep Team training: Thursday afternoons (Terms 2–3)

PLC Armidale Senior Hockey Rep Team training: Thursday afternoons starting from Term 1 (exact date TBC)

Netball Trials -  Location: PLC Armidale Dorothy Knox Centre

Open Trial (all players) Monday 23 February

Time: 3:45pm – 5:30pm

Junior Netball Trial Monday 2 March

3:45pm – 5:00pm

Training will take place on Monday afternoons during Terms 2 and 3 at the DKC.

If you have any questions regarding IGSA, trials or commitments, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ldonaldson@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Pathways International Student News

Mrs Kirsten Hey

Director of Pathways

Celebrating Chinese New Year – The Year of the Horse

This week, our Pathways students generously shared with us the meaning and traditions of Chinese New Year, welcoming in the Year of the Horse. All of the students in this class are from China, and it has been a privilege to learn from them about the deep cultural importance of this celebration, a time grounded in family, respect, gratitude, and renewal.

While being away from their families during such a significant occasion can be challenging, the students demonstrated resilience and adaptability, embracing modern ways to stay connected. Through video calls, shared livestreams, and the sending and receiving of traditional red envelopes digitally, they were able to honour their traditions and maintain meaningful family connections across great distances.

This celebration highlighted many values that closely align with those we cherish at PLC — family connection, respect, humility, self-discipline, and integrity. Like Chinese culture, PLC is steeped in tradition, and it was wonderful to create a hybrid celebration that reflected both cultures. Together, we shared a Chinese banquet as a PLC family, stayed up late to watch the Spring Festival Gala livestream, exchanged digital red envelopes, and counted down the arrival of the new year, if we could stay awake long enough! These shared experiences strengthened the bonds between the students and created lasting memories of belonging and connection.

We are grateful to our Pathways students for enriching our community through their openness and cultural generosity. Their willingness to share their traditions has deepened our collective understanding and reminded us of the importance of honouring culture, family, and community wherever we are in the world.

Fun Facts about the Year of the Horse:

• The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and symbolises energy, strength, and freedom.

• People born in the Year of the Horse are often seen as hardworking, independent, confident, and enthusiastic.

• The Horse is associated with success through perseverance and determination.

• Lucky numbers for the Horse include 2, 3, and 7, and lucky colours include red, green, and yellow.

• The Year of the Horse comes around every 12 years, recent Horse years include 2002, 2014, and now 2026.

• In Chinese culture, the Horse represents progress and moving forward, making it a hopeful symbol for the year ahead.

Send us your news!  

We love to hear about what our alumnae have been doing - so please let us know what has been happening in your life. 

Births, deaths, marriages, milestone celebrations - whatever you feel like sharing with the other Old Girls, please tell us so we can include it in this section of the  Lion's Roar each fortnight.

Our PLC Armidale alumnae are a stellar group of women who excel in a diverse range of areas, leading lives of significance.

Success looks different for everyone, and we like to celebrate it all - not just that which is in the public eye.

Email your news to: communications@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Want to get together with your class?

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

General News