From the Principal

who teach and care for their daughters. Additionally, at the special welcome evenings, parents were able to socialise with other families. Our whole community is very keen to consolidate their links with the College after the challenges and dislocation of the past few years.

You may have already read that during this year I am highlighting the theme of ‘Treasure’, in its various usages and meanings. As Principal of PLC, I am so aware of what treasure we hold within our College, in particular, our precious students. We treasure and value each girl, and aim to give her a balanced, inspiring and enriching education that will prepare her for the complex and exciting world beyond PLC. As a wise little Year 2 girl said to our Head of Junior School, ‘Mrs Voce, a school without children is like a treasure chest without treasure!’ diversity in universities as she believes passionately that students from lowincome backgrounds must have access to university. Her honest and humorous account of the many obstacles she had to overcome during her university studies really moved her very engaged audience of students and staff. Sai credited her friends and teachers at PLC for providing her with the self-belief to reach her academic goals. We wish her all the best as she continues her research into public health issues at Oxford University.

We are very proud of the outstanding academic IB and VCE results which the Class of 2022 achieved last year, and I thank the girls, their teachers and families for all their commitment and hard work. I know they have the compassion, sense of service and leadership skills to make a real contribution in whatever areas they choose to study and work.

We at PLC lean into our strong and distinguished history and always enjoy opportunities to welcome back past staff and students who bring their very interesting and individual stories to share with current students.

Of course the preparation and staging of the House Concerts is a treasured memory for all Old Collegians, and this year the students really threw themselves into interpreting the theme of ‘Hats’ with great creativity, energy and fun.

How happy I am to be writing to you at the end of such a varied and rich first term. PLC students and staff have settled well and made a very strong start thanks to the aid of various orientation programs. It has been wonderful to be able to confidently plan and anticipate the traditional celebrations and rituals that mark the exciting new year at the College. We are so pleased that during the Information Nights, many parents had the opportunity to meet the staff

Sai Campbell, from the Class of 2018, is an inspiring former student and was the guest speaker at our Foundation Day Assembly when we celebrated the founding of PLC in East Melbourne, 148 years ago. Sai, who has received a Rhodes Scholarship for 2023, joins the decades of Old Collegians who have achieved great recognition for their academic achievements and their passion for social justice. While studying for her Bachelor of Philosophy in Science, Sai has been a strong advocate for greater

I am really enjoying seeing so many students happily wearing the new, smart and contemporary uniform around the College and I am very proud of the agency and choice it gives them while still reflecting our pride in our historic blue, black and gold school colours and tartan.

In April, there were media reports about the submission by the Presbyterian Church of Australia, in response to the Australian Law Reform Commission consultation paper, on Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws.

Some of the reports specifically named Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne. Much of the reporting centred on the assertion that the Presbyterian Church is seeking to rule out gay or sexually active unmarried students from roles in school leadership. To be absolutely clear, this has not been, and is not the practice at Presbyterian Ladies' College. There is no such proposed policy and the College has not been asked to consider one by the Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian Ladies' College, like all Presbyterian schools, determines its own policies and procedures.

As an educational institution, thinking, learning and formation are fundamental to our purpose. Children and teenagers are developing and refining their beliefs, values and behaviours. They need to be cared for, nurtured and guided within a framework of values, boundaries and expectations. Their character, values and daily actions are constantly being formed in their families and communities. At PLC we present and promote Christian teachings in this context. Healthy intellectual development means discussion and debate are important in the development of a young person’s beliefs, character formation and life-choices. From these foundations, students have the right to respect, reflect upon, question and even challenge these beliefs and values.

When it comes to student leadership at PLC, we look for excellence in servanthearted character, integrity and humility, as well as a genuine interest in the particular portfolio. The selection process for senior leadership roles in the College is clear and thorough and includes voting by students and staff and panel interviews with members of the College leadership team. At no stage of this process is information sought or questions asked about a student’s sexual activity, orientation or gender identity. To do so would be entirely inappropriate.

Respectful relationships demand that we have the freedom to speak into each other’s lives with love, trust and compassion, without discrimination. I trust that PLC will always be a place where every student can feel accepted, explore ideas within a safe environment and can all participate fully in every program and opportunity on offer.

It has been a full term, with rich learning experiences in the classroom and beyond as the girls enjoyed camps, including some challenging weather, the end of the rowing season with the Head of the River and State championships, sporting and drama activities and musical performances at the Autumn Melodies concert. We aim to provide encouragement and build confidence in our students through programs such as the recent Year 10 ‘Keep Rising’ program, and the workshops which have helped students prepare for their Work Experience placements later in the year.

Another much-loved event, the Twilight Picnic, with its colourful ‘Garden Party’ theme, was attended by approximately 4,000 members of our community. I sincerely thank all the parents, students, staff and volunteers who made it such a night to remember.

After four years of planning, work has started on one of the most ambitious building projects ever undertaken by PLC, the construction of a state-of-the art Sport, Aquatic and Fitness Centre (SAFC). Due to open in 2025, this world-class centre will enhance the breadth of sporting, wellness and learning programs for our students and staff for generations to come.

This year we have also continued our important work on the PLC 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Under the guidance of the wise and forward-looking PLC Council, we are constantly planning ahead so that we can provide our students with the best, most holistic education possible and preserve the treasured and enduring values which have been at the heart of our school culture over the decades. There are many current and past students, staff and families who value the strong Christian heritage of our College, enjoy fellowship at our weekly Prayer Groups and who attended our recent Connect Night. They live out the message in Psalm 119, ‘Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight’.

PLC continues to be one of the foremost schools in Australia and there is a strong demand for places with waiting lists at all levels. It also has a very positive reputation overseas as my recent trip to Asia to engage with existing Boarding families and potential students reaffirmed. This year, we are continuing our planning for the College’s 150th Year celebrations in 2025, working with our community to plan key events to commemorate our unique history and achievements and to celebrate the future of the College.

I look forward to sharing a busy, enjoyable and enriching remainder of the year with you all.

With my best wishes and blessings.

Cheryl Penberthy Principal