If unwell, staff and students should be excluded from attending the school  until they are assessed by their primary care provider.  

HOW CAN WE HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS?

Practising good sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
• Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people) 

While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not coronavirus. For the latest advice, information and resources visit NSW Health or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450. The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available here. If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.  

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS REGARDING HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Preventing Infectious Disease Protocol
Health Centre Procedure Infection Control
Hand washing Protocol
Proper hand washing! What gets left on your hands when you don’t wash properly 
Operation Ouch – What happens if you don’t wash your hands (PLEASE NOTE: Video begins at 3.24mins)

Regular updates will be provided to our College community.

Should you have any questions or concerns, a designated email address has been established. 

Pockets are awarded annually to senior school girls based upon achievement, school and community involvement in the areas of academic, musical, performing arts, social service and sporting achievement.

Students are advised to record relevant achievements on forms from the beginning of the year and to have them endorsed by the appropriate staff member at the time, rather than to leave completion/signatures to the end of the year.

• Pocket application forms for Year 12 must be submitted in Term 3 of each year and are awarded at Valedictory Assembly.
• Pocket application forms for Years 7-11 must be submitted in Term 4 of each year and are awarded at Final Assembly.
• Students will be notified of the closing date for all Pocket forms via the Edumate Noticeboard.  The closing date will be strictly adhered to and no late entries will be accepted.

The respective Pocket Application forms are available below:

General Pocket Application Information

Music Pocket Application Form

Sports Pocket Application Form

Creative Arts Pocket Application Form

Academic Pocket Application Form

Social Service Pocket Application Form

Outright Gold Pocket Application Form

For more information, please contact:

Mr Mitchell Clendinning
Head of Senior School
Tel: (+612) 6770 1700

Please complete the following form to notify of any absence/s for your daughter due to illness, departure during the day for medical appointments, late arrival at school etc.

• For planned absences of LESS THAN 5 days, please complete the ‘Request for Leave’ form below.
• For extended planned absences, MORE THAN 5 days please download and complete an ‘Application for Extended Leave – Vacation & Travel’ form and forward to principal@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Excursions

All excursions that take place during school hours within the town boundaries are covered by the General Risk Warning Form below.  There is no transport charge for these excursions. These will be notified through the newsletter, note or email.

Any excursion that takes place outside normal school hours, or that incurs a greater than $15 charge, will require day student parent’s signature on a permission note specific to that excursion.

In most years all students in Years 3 to 10 attend class excursions of two to five days’ duration.  These form part of the academic, sporting and personal development curricula and are compulsory. The cost of this major excursion will be charged to accounts.  There is an option to have the cost charged in four instalments. If inadequate notice is given for any other reason, all non-refundable costs will be charged to your account.

In Years 11 and 12 there may be subject-specific excursions such as two or three day excursions for students of Design and Technology, Music, Drama and Visual Arts.

Parents will be notified of major excursions by letter that will contain specific details relating to the requirements and itinerary for such excursions.  The letter will also contain a permission note that needs to be signed and returned to the school.

Please download and sign the General Risk Warning Form below. This permission will remain in force until retracted by you in writing or your daughter leaves the school. (NB:  In-class school excursions are a compulsory part of the curriculum).

• General Risk Warning Form 
• Non-Sport Risk Warning
• Risk Warning Sporting

SOCIALS (DANCES)

GUIDELINES FOR SOCIALS

If Socials are held at another school, all girls (boarders and day girls) travel to the Social by bus.  The bus leaves from the back of the boarding houses, accompanied by members of staff, who mark the roll as each girl enters the bus.  The staff also check that the code of dress, which requires suitable and appropriate clothing, is adhered to.

All girls will return to PLC by bus at the end of the Social.  Your promptness in picking up your daughter after the Social is appreciated as staff are not then required to give extra time in supervision.

Social Times: 7.00 pm – 9 pm for Years 6 – 8 and 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm for Senior Socials – Years 9 to 12

Girls are asked to dress in smart, casual attire.  Dressy pants are quite suitable but shorts, ‘tatty’ jeans, singlets, mid-riff tops, tight micro skirts and costumes are not acceptable.  If staff considers that girls are not suitably dressed, they will ask them to change or not to attend that particular social.

Girls do not require any money at the social.  There is a $5.00 charge for each social attended. This will be charged to your account.

If you put your name down for a social, you will still be charged even if you do not attend.  If you are unable to attend a social, you must inform the Socials Co-ordinator before 2pm on the Friday prior to the social.

If any girl behaves inappropriately at the social she will be sent back to PLC in a taxi, accompanied by a member of staff (if a boarder) or her parents will be asked to pick her up from the social (for day girls.)

Girls are not to bring students from other schools to accompany them.

Alcohol and cigarettes are, of course, forbidden.  Any transgression of this rule will have serious consequences.

While socials are designed to encourage healthy, open friendships between students of PLC and other schools, overt physical demonstrations of affection are not acceptable.  Good taste and self-control are the criteria in this regard.

Please sign the social section on the permissions form and return to the school. This permission will remain in force until retracted by you in writing or your daughter leaves the school.

Socials, Excursions and IT Acceptable Use and Wireless Network PERMISSIONS FORM

AGREEMENTS FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF IT AND WIRELESS NETWORK

PLC ARMIDALE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

The IT network at PLC is provided predominantly for curriculum related purposes and to support and assist all students in their learning. It is important that each individual remembers that their use of technology impacts upon others. Breaching this Agreement will result in restricted access or further disciplinary action depending on the nature of the offence. Certain behaviours using technology could result in legal action or prosecution.

Conditions of Use

• Students are not to reveal their password to others or use the passwords of others. Students must logout at the end of any session of use of the network.
• Students will not submit their, name, address or other personal details or publish photographs of themselves using the PLC network or under the PLC Armidale name (e.g. Bebo, Facebook, Twitter)
• Students will not attempt to access or alter the files of others in the PLC network.
• Students may not copy software to or from the PLC network.
• No food or drink is allowed in any area where computer facilities are set up.
• Damage to hardware, software, systems, data of others or web pages will be regarded as vandalism.
• Copying, printing or redistributing the work of others without acknowledgement, or sometimes without permission, violates the Copyright Act. Presenting work as your own is plagiarism.
• Material of a pornographic, racist, sexist, irreligious, abusive, offensive or violent nature will not be accessed.
• To assist in minimising the risk of transferring viruses, virus protection software approved by the school must be installed and updated regularly on any home or student computer.
• Students are to use computer facilities efficiently to allow all girls adequate access to facilities.
• Privacy cannot be guaranteed for email directed to a school account or when using the network.
• Students are encouraged to use printing facilities wisely and be mindful of the environment.
• The network may not be used for the distribution of junk mail or chain letters.

This agreement must be signed before a student receives access to the network and remains in force for the duration of the student’s enrolment.

 PLC ARMIDALE WIRELESS NETWORK USERS AGREEMENT

This contract is valid for the duration of the student’s enrolment at the school.

Conditions of Access:

This contract is in addition to signing the IT Acceptable Use Agreement

The IT Department reserves the right to change these conditions at any time. Changes will be published in the Lion’s Roar.

Socials, Excursions and IT Acceptable Use and Wireless Network PERMISSIONS FORM

OTHER FORMS

• Casual Boarding Form 
• Notification of Change to Boarding Status 
• Notice of Withdrawal of Student from PLC Armidale  – must be completed providing one Term’s notice otherwise one Term’s fees will be payable in lieu of notice 
• Authority to Collect a Student  
• Direct Debit Request for Payment of Fees 
• Fee Payment Variation Request 
• Shuttle Bus Form 
• Application for Exemption from Attendance at School for Elite Sport/Arts Program Participation 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19

The aim of the information below is to keep our families updated on the current status of Coronavirus and the approach to manage the situation by PLC Armidale. We will continue to follow the instructions from NSW HEALTH. Management plans have been put into action with each stage thoughtfully considered and what the response will be. This information is updated regularly.

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR TERM 3 2022
As schools across the state are in full-swing and this being the final term for Year 12, the NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant in a recent briefing of Independent School Principals’ has expressed concern about the cumulative impact of a resurgence of COVID-19, combined with RSV and influenza. The current Public Health order recommends RAHT or PCR testing if cold or flu like symptoms present or reappear four weeks after a previous case of COVID-19. Girls who are unwell are to remain at home with access to learning available via the Seesaw App or BitMoji Google classroom in the Junior School and CANVAS in the Senior School. 

Those who test positive for COVID-19, both staff and students are required under the Public Health Order to remain at home for seven days and notify both the College via the QR Code found on the CONNECT homepage as well as the College website. Whilst household contacts are not required to self-isolate (unless unwell), those over 12 years of age are required under the Public Health Order to wear a mask whilst out in the community, especially at school and to administer a RAHT test daily for seven days. 

It is up to each school to determine measures to require of their own community, such as mask wearing, social distancing and restrictions on events and gatherings. We are continuing to monitor the incidence of unwell students and staff and will update via a separate communication if any of these measures are adopted in an attempt to minimise the spread of viruses and ensure continuity of teaching and learning for our Year 12 students especially.

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR TERM 2 2022

• Household contact isolation is no longer required
• Girls and staff are not required to wear masks
• Covid results form to be completed if a positive test is returned

COVID-19 Update (9 September 2021)

COVID-19 Update (19 August 2021)

COVID-19 Update (14 August 2021) 

COVID-19 Update (13 August 2021) 

COVID-19 Update (5 August 2021)

NCIRS COVID-19 in schools – the experience in NSW

REMOTE LEARNING

Senior School 

Junior School  

How to Guide – Install Zoom Video Conference

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM NESA FOR STUDENTS IN YEAR 12

COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) – NESA Advice for Year 11 and 12 students

USEFUL LINKS

Quick Links for Government Support  

COVID-19 from NSW Health

COVID-19 FAQs from NSW Health

Mental Health Institute – When our world shakes: Six ways to respond to COVID-19

The Gospel Coalition – 7 tips when talking to kids about Coronavirus

NBN Co – Education Assistance Package

Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety 

Accepting uncertainty

The vicious cycle of anxiety

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students and staff who are unwell with symptoms including (but not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath should implement the following:

• Isolate themselves from others at home and use a separate bathroom if available
• Put on a surgical mask and if they don’t have one, practise good sneeze/cough hygiene 
• Practise good hand hygiene  
• Call a doctor or hospital and tell them the recent travel or close contact history 
• If they have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the officers of the recent travel or close contact history  

If unwell, staff and students should be excluded from attending the school  until they are assessed by their primary care provider.  

HOW CAN WE HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS?

Practising good sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
• Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people) 

While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not coronavirus. For the latest advice, information and resources visit NSW Health or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450. The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available here. If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.  

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS REGARDING HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Preventing Infectious Disease Protocol
Health Centre Procedure Infection Control
Hand washing Protocol
Proper hand washing! What gets left on your hands when you don’t wash properly 
Operation Ouch – What happens if you don’t wash your hands (PLEASE NOTE: Video begins at 3.24mins)

Regular updates will be provided to our College community.

Should you have any questions or concerns, a designated email address has been established. 

Term 1, 2022	10 Weeks
Australia Day Holiday	Wednesday 26 January
Staff Day	Thursday 27 January
Staff Day	Friday 28 January
Staff Day, Boarders Return & Welcome BBQ	Monday 31 January
Commencement Service & Classes commence	Tuesday 1 February
Term Ends	Thursday 7 April
Staff Day	Friday 8 April
Easter	15 – 18 April

Term 2, 2022	9 Weeks
Anzac Day	Monday 25 April
Staff Day	Tuesday 26 April
Commencement Service & Classes commence	Wednesday 27 April
Queen’s Birthday Weekend	Monday 13 June
Term Ends	Thursday 23 June
Staff Day	Friday 24 June

Term 3, 2022	10 Weeks
Staff Day	Monday 18 July
Commencement Service & Classes commence	Tuesday 19 July
Valedictory Day & Term ends	Thursday 22 September
Staff Day	Friday 23 September

Term 4, 2022	9 Weeks
Labour Day Holiday	Monday 3 October
Boarders Return	Sunday 9 October
Commencement Service, Prefect Induction & Classes commence	Monday 10 October
Speech Day	Wednesday 7 December
Guild Drama	Thursday 8 December
Staff Day	Friday 9 December
Staff Day	Monday 12 December
Staff Day and Christmas Lunch	Tuesday 13 December

Please complete the form below to request leave for any absences known about in advance for absences of 1-5 school days. Any requests for leave must be approved by the Head of Senior School or Head of Junior School, with notification of the outcome of the request being by email.

Please note that extended holidays or longer weekends are generally not looked upon favourably.

Parents seeking extended leave for students for more than 5 school days, must complete an “Application for Extended Leave” form and forward it to the Principal. Notification of approval will be by return email with a Certificate of Exemption for Attendance at School provided.

Application for Extended Leave – Vacation/Travel – please download, complete and email to principal@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Parents seeking extended leave for students to attend an elite sporting event or an elite arts program, must complete an “Application for Exemption from Attendance at School: participation in elite sporting event or an elite arts program” form and forward it to the Principal. Notification of approval will be by return email with a Certificate of Exemption for Attendance at School provided. 

Application for Exemption from Attendance at School: participation in elite sporting event or an elite arts program – please download, complete and email to principal@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au.

For more information, please contact:
Mrs Nicola Taylor
Principal
Tel: (+612) 6770 1700

Our College employs caterers experienced in providing a variety of nutritious meals to our students. Special diets will be considered if supported by a dietician’s report or recommendation from a medical practitioner. Vegetarian meals form part of the regular menu. Fresh fruit, bread and spreads are always available. Regular meetings are held with the caterers to maintain our high standards and to pass on suggestions from students.

Lunch is available to all students and staff on a daily basis at a cost of $3.90/lunch.  Lunch specials are available on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a Salad Bar is available every day. 

Lunch tickets may be purchased by students in books of 10 at cost of $39. Books of tickets may be obtained from both Senior and Junior School Reception, with students signing for the purchase and the cost then being placed on student accounts.

Dinner tickets may also be purchased individually at a cost of $8 for times when students may need to stay late at school for sports training or musical events.  On these occasions students eat with the Boarders in the Dining Room. 

PLC Armidale welcomes feedback.

To enable us to continually improve our school we encourage suggestions from parents, students, community members and staff.

Please submit any compliments, concerns or complaints using the form below

• Fees payment link
• Association of Independent Schools (AIS) 
• Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA)
• Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA)
• Association of Heads of Independent Girls’ Schools NSW (AHIGS)
• Independent Girls’ Schools Sports Association (IGSA)
• University of New England 
• New England Conservatorium of Music 
• Northern Inland Academy of Sport
• New England Regional Art Museum
• Armidale Tourism
• Armidale Regional Council
• Armidale Business Chamber

PLC ARMIDALE APP

Don’t forget to download our College App to keep up to date with College news.

Download the EduApp user guide here.