PLC i n P ri nt | Novemb er 2 020
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From the Principal This year PLC celebrated a very proud milestone, as it turned 145 years old. We at College love to celebrate our special anniversaries so it has been disappointing that many of our planned events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, it is delightful to be reminded of the many creative and enjoyable events that have been held over the years to honour the long and illustrious heritage of our College. I am sure you will enjoy reading about these past celebrations and the other stories in our magazine which highlight some of the special events that have brought us all closer as a school community in 2020. This has been a life-changing year for our families, schools, communities and nations. The painful interruptions to everyday lives have been echoed around the world. It has been a difficult, frustrating and for some people, tragic year. However, even in the worst moments of the pandemic, individuals and communities have remained united by celebrating the small, everyday things that were usually taken for granted in our busy pre-COVID lives. They have created new community rituals and through these, provided continuity and a sense of belonging. PLC is no exception. Our students, teachers and staff have drawn strength and inspiration from what has gone before. Our College has weathered many times of stress and uncertainty in its long history. These critical times were endured and the experience gained was useful in helping to take it into the future. Nurtured and challenged by their outstanding contemporary education, our students have the resilience, flexibility and vital skills to manage their changed lives. It has not been easy but with the guidance and dedication of their outstanding teachers, other PLC staff and caring parents, they have succeeded. The Boarders have written a fascinating account of their lives since the beginning of the year. Unable to return to their overseas homes and see family, they have grown closer to each other and they share with us the fun and support they have experienced. Girls and young women from all parts of the College have been doing marvellous work through distance learning. They have also been able to have fun and support each other during this time through virtual events and celebrations. Our creative students and teachers, assisted by our helpful IT staff, have created online music and theatrical performances, and many other enriching activities across all subjects and co-curricular activities. Students have also reached out to others and in wonderfully diverse ways, thanked their loyal teachers and families and sent delightful messages to Old Collegians. They have lived out the traditional Christian values of service to others that underpin a PLC education but in a contemporary way. There are interesting articles from all areas of our College community in this edition of our magazine. They are a celebration of all that is special about PLC today and are signposts to a wonderful future for our girls and our College. Girls return to Campus – Term 4, 2020
Cheryl Penberthy Principal
