2026 Welcome Barbecue and Parent Information Evening

The annual Welcome Barbecue is a relaxed highlight to the start of our year. The PLC Armidale community comes together, and there is genuine delight to be seen in everyone as they reconnect after the summer holiday.

Holding the 2026 Parent Information Evening beforehand was also a great way for our carers to learn the highlights of the year ahead and connect with their daughter's pastoral care teacher team before dinner.

See all the 2026 Welcome Barbecue photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE

See all the 2025 Welcome Barbecue photos in our Parent Portal photo gallery HERE

Mrs Kate Clynch

Head of Senior School

Welcome to 2026 in the Senior School

I trust your daughter has settled into Term 1 and is looking forward to all the possibilities a new year brings.

I would especially like to welcome students new to the College and the Year 7 class as they commence their Senior School journey at PLC Armidale. 

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

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

Parents must complete the Standard Collection & Risk Warning Consent Form issued at the start of each year. This ensures that contact details and medical information are kept current, appropriate permissions have been provided and is a general reminder about the conditions of enrolment. If you have not yet done so, you can complete the 2026 form HERE.

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.

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

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.

YEARS 7-10 PAT TESTING - TERM 1, WEEKS 2 and 3

As part of our focus on data gathering as a way of informing our teaching at PLC Armidale, all students in Years 7-10 will undertake two skills assessments in Weeks 2 and 3 of this term - PAT R (Reading) and PAT M (Mathematics).

These tests will take place in regular English and Mathematics periods in Weeks 2 and 3, and students will use their laptop to complete these online assessments. 

Students do not need to undertake any particular preparation for these tests. The tests are adaptive, adjusting to each students' ability level, which results in valuable data that can assist teachers in addressing the needs of individual students.

If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact Director of Studies Julie Flanagan - jflanagan@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

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.

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.

Debating Club - Fridays @ 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.

 All girls are invited to our next...

Lunchtime Debating Information Session on Friday, 20 February

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

Duke of Ed - Silver Challenge

Our Silver Duke of Ed girls enjoyed tackling Tomaree Coastal Walk for four days at the start of the summer holidays. They walked through diverse landscapes, including rocky cliffs, coastal heathland, sandy beaches, and dramatic headlands with a constant sea breeze and swimming to keep them cool.

Study Tour

This week, we welcomed back a group of students from Beijing Zhongguancun Foreign Language School (BZFLS), China, who are undertaking the NSW HSC in their home school, the first school in China to be accredited by NESA to deliver this prestigious award.

The students are with us for an intensive study tour, immersing themselves in our academic environment and experiencing Australian school life. One of the highlights being an art workship with Mrs Paula Jenkins..

Our students have been warm in their welcome and willing to share in the cultural exchange this opportunity provides.

Boarding Life

Margaret Latham and Sam Azon-Jacometti 

Heads of Boarding

Junior School News

Mrs Fiona Wake

Head of Junior School

Special Interest Projects (SIP)

This term, students are participating in Everyone Has a Story: Stories Reimagined, a Special Interest Project that places student voice and choice at the centre of learning. Students select a topic of personal interest and express their ideas through four SIP lenses: Visual Arts, Digital Technologies, Strength and Conditioning, and Creative Composing. 

Through Visual Arts, students develop visual literacy and creative thinking as they plan and design artworks that communicate ideas and meaning. 

In Digital Technologies, they build digital capability by creating and refining digital texts, developing skills in sequencing, editing and problem-solving. 

The Strength and Conditioning lens supports physical literacy, body awareness and wellbeing, with students building strength, coordination and safe movement practices. 

Through Creative Composing, students strengthen communication and literacy skills by shaping voice, character, setting and emotion to express ideas clearly and creatively.

Learning will culminate in a Creative Showcase, where students will display work from each lens, celebrating individuality, creativity and skill development. Further information about each project will be shared by teachers throughout the term.

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

Parent Information Evening

Thank you to families who attended our recent Parent Information Session. This important connection time set the scene for the year ahead, covering key academic priorities and logistics. Families who were unable to attend are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher for a copy of the presentation.

Open communication and collaboration between home and school remain central to student success. Parent–Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 6, NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 will take place in Week 7, and Years 3–6 Camp is scheduled for Week 10.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Junior School should you have any questions or require support.

We look forward to a connected, rewarding and successful year ahead.

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.

2026 Swimming Carnival

Our PLC Armidale Whole School Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Monckton Aquatic Centre, Armidale from 8:30am – 3:00pm. 

Pre-K 

Pre-K children will travel by bus from PLC Armidale to Monckton Aquatic Centre, departing the College at 9:00 a.m. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Stage 1 (Years 1-2) will return to school by bus at approximately 12:00 p.m. Pre-K should wear their PE skorts/shorts and Guild shirt and take a rash vest to swim in.

Pre-K to Year 2 students will enjoy novelty activities in the small pool, and parents are welcome to join the fun! 

Pre K families who don't attend PLC Armidale on Fridays are welcome to attend the swimming carnival; however, the girls need to have a parent/carer with them at all times.

Pre K to Year 2 girls should bring their money in a zip-lock bag for the P&F stall. This will be collected by their classroom teachers.

Years K-12 children must be at the Aquatic Centre by 8:30am.

Please do not drop your daughter off at school that morning unless she is in PreK that day.

All other students are to make their own way to the Aquatic Centre. Only boarders will be transported from the College to the Aquatic Centre. 

*Should your daughter catch a school bus to school normally, we have organised with the local bus companies that PLC Armidale students on this day will be dropped to the Town pool.

Staff will be present from 8am at the Armidale Aquatic Centre to greet Junior and Senior girls being dropped off by bus to ensure they are safely escorted into the Pool.

All students MUST get their name marked off when they arrive at the pool. Please enter through the main entry of the pool (not the side gates).

Upon arrival at the Aquatic Centre, senior school students must report to Miss Bre Hollis, and Junior School students must report to their class teacher to have their attendance recorded. 

At the conclusion of the carnival, parents may pick their daughters up from the pool after being signed out by their pastoral care or classroom teacher. All other students will be bused back to the college. If your daughter is required to walk home or to a parent's workplace, you must let Mrs Emma Flavel know in writing via email by 12pm Tuesday, 10 February - otherwise, your daughter will be put on the bus.

All students should wear PLC Armidale swimmers underneath their Guild uniform and bring a swimming cap in their Guild colour.

Students should bring morning tea, lunch and plenty of drinks/water. Alternatively, the P&F will run a cake stall all day and barbecue at lunchtime for students to purchase items. There will be no lunch orders available from the Dining Hall, but Boarders' lunches will be provided.

Pre-K, Kindergarten and Stage 1 parents, please pack some money in a zip-lock bag for your daughter to purchase treats from the P&F stall. All other students can purchase items throughout the day between their races.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) News

Mrs Joanne Wysel

Head of Creative and Performing Arts. (CAPA)

Welcome Back to Another Exciting Year in Creative and Performing Arts!

We are thrilled to begin another incredible year of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) at PLC Armidale! With an exciting lineup of performances, workshops, and co-curricular activities, 2026 promises to be another fabulous year! 

It was wonderful to see so many parents and students at the Welcome Barbecue and Information Evening, and to have the opportunity to speak with you about the breadth of learning and opportunity that Creative and Performing Arts provides for your daughters.

Our CAPA department achieved outstanding results in the 2025 HSC, with nominations across all subject areas. 

In Drama,  Emily Blake, Arlie Bragg, Teya Catteral, Bridie O'Neill and  India Smith received OnSTAGE nominations for their Group Performance, with Arlie, Teya, and Bridie also nominated for their Individual Performances. 

In Music, Tiko Lay’s Composition was nominated and subsequently selected for performance at Encore at the Sydney Opera House in March. 

In Visual Arts, Daisy and Sophie were both nominated and selected for ARTEXPRESS, with works featured in the Main Exhibition and the Regional Tour in Port Macquarie, respectively.

These exceptional results reflect not only the talent, commitment and creativity of our students, but also the expertise and dedication of our CAPA teaching staff.

All CAPA subjects are offered from Year 7 through to Year 12, with elective courses commencing in Year 9. Over the coming weeks, further information about the Creative Arts curriculum will be shared with families, so please keep an eye out for these updates.

Senior Dance Ensembles – Starting Week 4!

We are excited to launch our Dance Ensembles in week 4, starting Tuesday lunchtimes in Week 3 with Mrs Wysel, Miss Rickie, and our Dance Captain, (to be announced next week). Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to have fun, this is a fantastic opportunity to refine your skills and be part of something special. We’ll be working toward the Dance Eisteddfod this year.

Senior Drama Club – Begins Wednesday Week 4!

Drama Club will kick off next Wednesday lunchtime with Mrs Wysel and our Drama Captain, (to be announced next week!). This is the perfect place to explore improvisation, develop acting techniques, and collaborate with peers who share a passion for performance. And just have fun!

Speech and Drama with Mrs Alcorn Lspa

Our Speech and Drama program with Mrs Kylie Alcorn begins Week 4! 

Those students already registered should keep an eye on their emails for their timetable. If you are still to register please do so ASAP.

Speech and Drama is for students from Year 4 to Year 11 who want to speak with confidence, clarity and impact. It is an incredible opportunity to enhance communication skills & confidence.

Girls will work with powerful poems, prose and monologues, learn how to use their voice effectively, and develop the ability to think and speak on their feet.

It's not about costumes or big productions - it's about learning how to communicate ideas clearly, perform with confidence, and present yourself well in any situation, whether that's in class, in leadership roles or beyond school.

It will build their confidence, and they'll have a blast doing it.

For more information or to register your interest, contact Mrs Kylie Alcorn (Class of '85), who has her Speech & Performance Licentiate Prac (Lspa) from the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) —the highest qualification it awards.  You can email Mrs Alcorn at: kyliemarjoram@gmail.com 

OnSTAGE & ARTEXPRESS Stage 6 Excursion – next week

Year 12 Drama, Dance, and Visual Arts students will embark on an exciting HSC Creative Arts excursion to Sydney next week. This trip offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with outstanding HSC works and develop their own creative practice.

Drama students will attend OnSTAGE, participate in Group and Individual Performance Workshops, experience live theatre at Belvoir Street, and view an archival screening of Neighbourhood Watch. Meanwhile, Visual Arts students will explore ARTEXPRESS at the Art Gallery of NSW, gaining insight into exemplary HSC major works. Dance students will attend a Callback full-day workshop, attend classes at Sydney Dance Company and also attend the performances of Callback - exemplary performance from the 2025 HSC.

Travelling by mini-bus and staying at Central YHA, students will be accompanied by Mrs Joanne Wysel, Mrs Emma Schaeffer & Mrs Kylie Alcorn. Students must pack appropriately and bring their Drama & Dance log books or Visual Arts process diaries.

If you have not already done so, please fill out the Google permission form ASAP. 

Art Club – Starting Soon!

Art Club will be starting soon during Monday lunchtimes, with our Visual Arts Captains. Keep an eye out for more details and come along to get creative!

Music Ensembles – A Fantastic Start!

Some of the music ensembles have already begun, filling the school with beautiful sounds and setting the stage for another year of musical excellence. These ensembles are not only a wonderful way to develop musicianship but also a fantastic way to build friendships and be part of the thriving CAPA community. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s never too late!

For more information, contact our Director of Music, Mr Matthew Minter at mminter@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Celebrating Our Student Successes

We love celebrating our students' achievements! Whether you are excelling in Drama, Dance, Music, or Visual Arts, we want to acknowledge your incredible efforts and share them with the wider school community. Please let us know about your successes so we can recognise them at assemblies and in our newsletters.

2026 is already shaping up to be an outstanding year in Creative and Performing Arts, and we can’t wait to see what our talented students achieve. If you have any questions or need more information about any of our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s make this a year to remember!

Music Ensembles and Peripatetic Lessons

All music ensembles commence rehearsals in Week 3. If girls are interested in joining any ensemble, they must sign up using the Google Form sent to both Junior and Senior school students last week. 

Here is the list of music ensembles: 

Senior Ensembles

Senior Choir - Monday morning 7:45am  ; Senior Strings - Tuesday morning 7:30am; Bel Canto - Wednesday morning 8:00 am 

Junior Ensembles

Junior Cello Ensemble - Tuesday lunchtime; Junior Strings - Wednesday morning 8:00am; Junior Piano Trio - Wednesday lunch; Jazz Band - Thursday morning; Training Jazz Band - Friday morning ; Treble Makers Choir- Friday morning 8:00am; Silver Strings - Friday lunchtime ; Stage 1 String Program - Friday 

Private 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, for your reference. 

• 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

Gondwana National Choral School:

Ten of our girls attended the 2026 Gondwana Choral Camp in Sydney last month. Established by Lyn Williams OAM in 1997, Gondwana Choirs is the leader in Australian choral performance for talented young choristers. Its annual National Choral School offers an intensive residential two-week camp for choristers aged 10-26 years to participate in rehearsals, performances and workshops with leading choral conductors, composers and singers. 

The culmination of the National Choral School is always a night of choral magic. The four Gondwana National Choirs perform with passion and energy. 2026 was a year like no other, with three of the world’s finest choral musicians – Basilio Astulez (Spain), Michael Barrett (South Africa) and Mat Wright (UK) – joining the line-up of top Australian conductors in a night of global choral perspectives.

SPORT News

Mrs Lucy Donaldson

Head of Sport

2026 Swimming Carnival

Our PLC Armidale Whole School Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Monckton Aquatic Centre, Armidale from 8:30am – 3:00pm. 

The first race will be the 200m Individual Medley to commence promptly at 8:30am. Students competing in this event will need to be at the pool before 8:15am and be ready to commence racing at 8:30am.

All students are to make their own way to the Aquatic Centre. Only boarders will be transported from the College to the Aquatic centre. 

*Should your daughter catch a school bus to school normally, we have organised with the local bus companies that PLC Armidale students on this day will be dropped to the Town pool.

Staff will be present from 8am at the Armidale Aquatic Centre to greet Junior and Senior girls being dropped off by bus to ensure they are safely escorted into the Pool.

All students MUST get their name marked off when they arrive at the pool. Please enter through the main entry of the pool (not the side gates).

Upon arrival at the Aquatic Centre, senior school students must report to Miss Bre Hollis, and Junior School students must report to their class teacher to have their attendance recorded. 

At the conclusion of the carnival, parents may pick their daughters up from the pool after being signed out by their pastoral care or classroom teacher. All other students will be bused back to the college. If your daughter is required to walk home or to a parent's workplace, you must let Mrs Emma Flavel know in writing via email by 12pm Tuesday, 10 February - otherwise, your daughter will be put on the bus.

All students should wear PLC Armidale swimmers underneath their Guild uniform and bring a swimming cap in their Guild colour.

If any girls need to purchase Guild swimming caps, please see Miss Bre Hollis at the Senior School Reception or Mrs Chelsea Creamer at the Junior School Reception -BEFORE Tuesday, 10 February.

Girls will need to bring their PE bag, which should contain a towel, Guild swimming cap, hat, sunscreen, morning tea, lunch, and plenty of drinks/water.

Please ensure students apply sunscreen before coming to school and reapply throughout the day.  

A warm PLC Armidale jersey or jacket is essential for use between races, and PLC Armidale track pants may be worn if the day is cold. 

Hamlin – Red           Wilkie – Blue           Lovell – Yellow         Dixon – Green

Should circumstances such as weather affect the carnival, you will be notified on the PLC Armidale App, email or text as soon as a decision is made.

P&F Barbecue and Cake Stall

Students should bring morning tea, lunch and plenty of drinks/water. Alternatively, the P&F will run a cake stall all day and barbecue at lunchtime for students to purchase items. There will be no lunch orders available from the Dining Hall, but Boarders lunches will be provided.

Pre-K, Kindergarten and Stage 1 parents, please pack some money in a zip-lock bag for your daughter to purchase treats from the P&F stall. All other students can purchase items throughout the day between their races.

War Cries will be conducted at approximately 1pm. 

Each Guild performs a war cry to build their Guild spirit and sense of belonging through singing/chanting (shouting!) positive messages about their Guild. It is a competition between the Guilds as to who is the most creative, in terms of time and audibility. It is a lot of fun and involves the whole College.   

Parents are encouraged to attend this part of the day even if their daughters are not participating in any swimming events.

Parents are encouraged to bring their swimmers to the Swimming Carnival ready for the race of the year for the annual students v/s parents and teachers relay.

2026 Netball Season - time to get ready

All parents and carers were sent an email this week.

If your daughter will be playing netball this year and will require a new dress, and you have not yet done so, please place an order using the link below. 

Please ensure you order the correct size, we cannot return nor refund an order that is incorrect and do not order excess stock. We have physical samples in all sizes should your daughter need to try for sizing.

PLC Netball Dress order form 2026

Last orders must be received by 9am Monday 9 February to ensure we have dresses in time prior to the start of the netball season.

Pathways International Student News

Mrs Kirsten Hey

Director of Pathways

Welcome back to Pathways!

Here are some reflections from our International Students on their first week of 2026

"Regarding my life in Australia, there haven't been any events that others might consider extremely significant, but I'm still very glad to have been able to come to back to PLC Armidale.

When I first came to Australia, I felt the difference of another country so directly for the first time. I saw the green trees beside the airport, those people who looked different from what I had seen before, the fresh air I breathed the moment I got off the plane, and those things that still give me a headache to this day: English. I originally thought this would be similar to the environment in China, but unfortunately it isn't. I looked around in terror. It was a completely unfamiliar world to me. Then my parents and I drove back to the apartment. I felt that house was so strange, with its smell, layout and lighting. Late at night, I lay alone in bed, with my parents living in the next room. The surroundings were terrifyingly quiet. I began to miss my friends in China, as well as my own little house, the dark grey beds, and my dolls.

But soon, I put all of those troubles behind me. On my first hard night here, I saw the deep blue sky in the early morning. The orange sun hung in the sky, revealing a corner and dyeing the entire sky a gradient of colors. The fog was hazy, as if trying to cover up this beautiful scene to prevent others from seeing it. That was the first time I saw such a clean sky and such a beautiful sunrise.

So, I began to try to pull myself out of this sadness. My parents were worried about my school. Eventually, by chance, they sent me here. Actually, I don't really like constant turbulence, but if I refused to come here, I'm sure I would regret it. On the morning of the first day of school, my parents and I set off from Sydney by car. I sat in the car, trying to calm myself down and control that sense of unease and tension. I gazed out of the car window at the trees passing by, the low grass, and those scattered farms. The central part of Australia remains so peaceful and vast.

After a five-hour drive, I was exhausted and dragging a large pile of my luggage with heavy steps towards the boarding house. To my surprise, I really like this layout of the  boarding house. The upright partition walls have well protected our privacy. After helping me tidy up my room, my parents left. I was left alone again. I sat on the chair, looking at my phone dejectedly. The suddenly closed door was opened and I saw two people walk in. They had beautiful golden hair (actually, I have always liked this hair color), chatting while looking for their beds in the dorm. They seemed very cheerful and kind. It turned out that Australians weren't as difficult to get along with as I had imagined. It seemed that they noticed my gaze. They stopped and asked me if I had seen their name tags on that dorm. I said in my broken English, "I didn't see your names." This was the first English I said in Australia. From then on, I gradually began to integrate into this environment. I made new close friends, breathed the free air, and enjoyed the unrestrained and wonderful life that Australia brought me.

Finally, what I want to say is that the occurrence of a bad thing often brings good news as well. If I hadn't come to Australia in the first place, I would have missed the life I preferred. I will continue to improve my life skills and English proficiency. I want to live the life I desire in this free country of Australia. "  

Yutong Y8

"This is my first time visiting this school. I feel both excited and nervous. The teachers and classmates were very welcoming on my first day, which made me feel very warm. I made some good friends here. Although I had a great first day, I still miss home a little. The atmosphere in the classroom here is also great, everyone is very cheerful. I haven’t been here long and I don’t know anything, Mrs Hey and Miss Priebbenow are always there for me whenever I need help, making me feel the warmth of home even though I’m far from home. The dormitory supervisor will also pay special attention to your emotional state. If they notice you’re unhappy or homesick, they will offer you comfort and care."  

Penny Y8

"This is my first time visiting this school. At the beginning of studying in PLC Armidale, I was too worried and nervous. Although I made my first and best friend in Australia on the first day, I also get homesick everyday, but it is better than before. The most important point is that teachers in the school are really friendly and conscientious. Like Mrs Hey and Miss Priebbenow. They always care about how we sleep and how we eat, meanwhile, when we get homesick, Mrs Hey always comfort and talks to us actively. It allows me to feel warm, just like home."  

Iris W Y8

"The morning sunlight filters through the dense network of pine needles, casting a golden glow. Soft rays of light caress the gracefully swaying trunks, warming the tranquil forest path.

In the boarding house，motion-sensor lights in the hallway pierced through the door cracks like a sharp sword, cutting through the darkness inside the room.The creaking of the metal bunk bed as someone turns over, the dull thud of shoes being put on on the lower bunk, and the rushing sound of water coming from the washroom."Today is a new chapter, and we must write this story brilliantly."

In the morning class the originally noisy classroom seemed to have been muted, with only the 'rustling' sound of frantically flipping through textbooks remaining; it was the last desperate struggle.

The suppressed chatter in the hallway during the afternoon dismissal time suddenly erupted into a massive roar the moment the doors opened, almost lifting the ceiling.The students' laughter wasn't the kind of quiet chuckle with their faces covered; it was like a string of crisp firecrackers, crackling and popping on the way home from school, carrying an unreasonable kind of joy.

The outline of the school building appeared soft under the moonlight, and the playground was empty and quiet, as if it too was gathering strength. We leaned on the balcony, looking at the scattered lights in the distance, imagining what the first rays of sunlight would look like when they shone into the classroom tomorrow. " 

Julie Y8

"This is the first time I have come to PLC boarding, and it is my first time going to study in another country. I'm a little nervous but also very excited.

When I first arrived at school, there was a welcome party for new students. The teacher showed us around the campus and told me about the daily schedule. After dinner, I felt a little homesick, and I was also thinking about how long I wanted to stay at this school. Before going to sleep, I kept thinking about my family and friends, and I felt extremely sad.

But after a few days, I gradually forgot about my previous troubles. I'm also trying to adapt to the new environment little by little. I also made many new friends. The teachers were very friendly and often helped us." 

Rise Y8

"I arrived at the Pathways course with a mix of trepidation and excitement. I worried that my introverted nature would cause me to miss many opportunities to interact with teachers and classmates. However, after a few days, the teachers and classmates patiently spoke to me and always greeted me with smiles, which greatly encouraged me to face the challenges ahead. 

"I understand that learning a non-native language will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for someone like me who lacks strong willpower and confidence, and the process will certainly involve many setbacks. But I hope that one day things will finally take a turn for the better." 

Luna Y9

"I was happy to come back to Australia. I missed my family, however, I was happy to see my friends who were living in Australia. I was not too homesick because I had a beautiful and lovely holiday! I was glad to share my holiday story with my year nine classmates in my first pastoral care. And now I want to talk about my holiday here!

"I went to a city which is located in the southern part of China—Suzhou. I went there not because of the food or the attractions. I heard that there was a place named Shui Baxian Ecological Park in Suzhou which had lots of waterbirds I had never seen before! (I am a birdwatching enthusiast and my favourite types of birds are the waterbirds.) Most of the waterbirds live in the southern part of China. As a northerner, I was excited to find the waterbirds.

"Shui Baxian Ecological Park was a place with very few people coming here. Finding the sandpipers was easier than I thought. They like staying in farmland to find food. The sandpiper is timid. When they felt a little bit dangerous, they flew away quickly. I spent a lot of time running after them. But I had so much fun.

"Another interesting thing was that my family and I decorated the Christmas tree. It was my first Christmas with my family in China. We bought a tree made of plastic and balls. Actually, I was surprised that my family allowed me to have Christmas because they didn’t have too many feelings. But this time, they decided to respect Australian culture. We had a lovely time with my family on the special day!"    

Finnley Y9

"When I returned in Australia this time, I was really nervous as usual. But, I felt at ease when I arrived at Boarding House, it’s always like my home in Australia. I knew I could have a good sleep.

"On the first day of school, we saw Mrs. Hey and Ms. Priebbenow whom we had missed for so long. They are our Pathways’ teachers, they are lovely and kind to us. If you have any problems, you can ask them for help.

 "I no longer felt homesick now, I thought it all depended on Pathways. I am very grateful to Pathways."   

Danika Y10

"When I returned to Australia, I lost my luggage. But the Boarding House quickly helped me to get my luggage back. In the Boarding House, we met Mrs Hey and Miss Priebbenow. I really missed them. And I met new students, they are friendly. We talked about where they are from and introduced each other. And then I packed up my luggage into my cupboard. On the first day of school, when we were in Pastoral Care, we shared what we did during the holiday. That’s really fun."   

Iris L Y10

Health News

Years 7&10 Vaccinations

The School Vaccination Program for Years 7 and 10 students are scheduled to be held at PLC Armidale on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Vaccines offered are:

Year 7

• Gardasil9 - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (1 dose)

• Boostrix - Diphteria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Whooping cough) (dTpa) vaccine (1 dose)

Details of the vaccines can be found in the attached "Year 7 Vaccination" document.

Year 10

• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (1 dose)

Details of the vaccines can be found in the attached "Year 10 Vaccination" document.

Consent - MUST be completed prior to 19 February 2026

Consents are provided through the NSW School Vaccination Program Portal, which will require your ServiceNSW account. 

Step by step guidance of how to give consent for your child to access the vaccine, please see the attached "Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school" document.

Link to the portal https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school_vaccination

It would be greatly appreciated if you can give consent through the portal prior to the vaccination day at PLC Armidale (Thursday 19 February 2026).

Please contact the School Immunisation Team via hnelhd-pophealthschoolvax@health.nsw.gov.au for any questions regarding the vaccine. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Health Centre at health@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au for further clarification about the vaccination day at PLC Armidale.

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