Constants in a changing world

In PLC’s Annual Report of 1876, Professor Charles Pearson, Headmaster, wrote, "I think it is of the last (greatest) importance in a large public College that the relations of teachers and taught should be based on a feeling of mutual trust, and that the discipline of the College should be maintained by the good feeling and high sense of honour of the students."

Society has changed since Professor Pearson wrote this Annual Report. In 1958, PLC completed its move from East Melbourne to Burwood and much of the life at PLC described in this Prospectus would amaze this early Headmaster. However, were Professor Pearson to visit the school and look beyond the superficial, he would recognise many of the qualities he valued still very much in evidence.

Just as PLC’s early students led the way as young women moved onto university, so today’s students are still at the forefront in their pursuits. Almost all Year 12 leavers proceed to university studies and, in recent years, two have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. As from the start, PLC has skilled, professional, dedicated staff; students who are committed to doing their best in every field of endeavour; and relaxed, trusting relationships between the two. In summary, PLC enjoys and values a learning culture that promotes high expectations, that encourages students to believe in their capacity to meet these expectations, and one in which teachers and students support each other to this end.

Our motto, Lex Dei Vitae Lampas – The Law of God is the Lamp of Life – is the foundation of a PLC education. PLC welcomes girls of all faiths, as it did when it opened in 1875, but the Christian foundation that guided the Scottish founders is still embedded in the values and teaching of the Early Learning Centre, the Junior and Senior Schools.

“PLC extended Kate’s horizons and raised her standards and aims to a whole new level – one that she still applies to all she does.”