Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney

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Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney
Sancte Sapienter (Latin:"Holy, Wisely")[1] All'Ultimo Lavoro (Dante:"The utmost for the highest")[2]
Established	1888[3]
School Type	Independent, Single-sex, Day and Boarding
Denomination	Presbyterian
Slogan	"Take up the challenge"[4]
Key People	Dr. William T. McKeith AM (Principal) Rev. Peter Hastie (Chairman) Mrs. Pamela Nutt (Chaplain)
School Fees	AU$11,360–20,150 p.a (Day) AU$32,450–37,600 p.a (Boarding)[5]
Location	Croydon, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	33°52′54″S 151°6′57″E / -33.88167, 151.11583Coordinates: 33°52′54″S 151°6′57″E / -33.88167, 151.11583
Enrolment	~1,350 (R–12)[6]
Employees	~125[7]
Revenue	AU$24,605,888 (2006)[7]
Colours	Red and White[8]
Homepage	www.plc.nsw.edu.au

The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney (P.L.C. Sydney), is an independent, Presbyterian, day and boarding school for girls, located in Croydon, an inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is the oldest continuously running Presbyterian Church school in New South Wales.^[9][10]

Founded in 1888 by a committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales, the school has a non-selective enrolment policy for all years apart from Year 11,^[11] and currently caters for approximately 1,350 girls from Branxton Reception (4 years old) to Year 12 (18 years old), including 65 boarders. Students attend P.L.C from all regions of the greater metropolitan area, New South Wales country regions, and overseas.^[12]

The college is affiliated with the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA),^[13] the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA),^[14] the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA),^[15] and is a founding member of the Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools (AHIGS).^[16] P.L.C is also one of two Round Square schools in Sydney.^[17]

In 2001, The Sun-Herald ranked P.L.C Sydney fourth in Australia's top ten girls' schools, based on the number of its alumni mentioned in the Who's Who in Australia (a listing of notable Australians).^[18][a]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Foundation 1.2 Growth 1.3 Second World War 1.4 Church Union 1.5 Modern day 2 Principals 3 Campus 4 Curriculum 4.1 Primary 4.2 Secondary 4.3 Special education 5 Co-curriculum 5.1 Sport 5.2 Ensembles 5.3 Debating and public speaking 5.4 Aid projects 6 Fees 7 Motto and crest 8 School badge 9 Uniform 9.1 College tartan 10 House system 11 Ex-Students' Union 11.1 Notable alumnae 12 Notes 13 See also 14 References 15 Further reading 16 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Foundation

The idea of a Presbyterian College in Sydney arose in 1883, when the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales formed a special committee to investigate the establishment of superior boarding schools for girls and boys. The church saw an urgency to provide Presbyterian education in the colony due to the growth in Roman Catholic secondary schools.^[19] Many Presbyterians had expressed fear of the outcome of this growth, with the Minister at Richmond, Rev. James Cameron stating: "Presbyterians should take prompt action because the Popish party, seeing the want that was felt throughout the colony in regard to higher education, has stepped in to supply that want, and if Protestants did not look to the matter, the Roman Catholics would take advantage of them."^[19]

The New South Wales (N.S.W) Scottish community had also expressed dissatisfaction with the educational options available to their children. The N.S.W Assembly was however also inspired to establish a school, particularly a Ladies' College, by less worthy motives. For example, other Protestant denominations in N.S.W had recently established their own Ladies' Colleges, and the "rival" colony of Victoria had had a Presbyterian Ladies' College since 1875, and so it was felt that N.S.W Presbyterians should also have one.^[19]

At the 1884 Assembly it was announced that a school for boys was not necessary due to the existence of establishments such as Sydney Grammar School and the Cooerwull Academy. The Committee however felt that the present secondary education options available for girls were not satisfactory, and recommended that a Ladies' College, similar to the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne, be established as soon as possible. A Ladies' College Committee was subsequently formed to undertake the task.^[19]

By July 1887, the committee had leased a property in Ashfield and advertised for an appropriate Principal. They unanimously selected Dr. John Marden, a science master from the Methodist Ladies' College (M.L.C) in Melbourne, "because of his high academic standing, his experience and success in teaching and his high Christian character."^[20] Marden was a strong believer in equal opportunity in education, and has been described as an "early feminist" and "truly a man before his time."^[21] He scorned the idea that P.L.C was to be some kind of finishing school for the daughters of the wealthy,^[22] and was once quoted as saying:

I am ... out of sympathy with the cry that education is unnecessary for girls, and that all they require is a few accomplishments. Women have also to live their life - in most cases a harder one than men have. This notion of accomplishments being sufficient for girls is surely a remnant of those barbarous days when women were looked on as the plaything of men.^[22]

The Presbyterian Ladies' College was finally opened by Marden, accompanied by lady superintendent, Ms M. McCormick,^[23] with 39 girls, on 30 January 1888, at Fernlea, a 14-roomed gentleman's residence set in 3 acres (1 ha) of ground at Victoria Street, Ashfield, the current site of the Masonic Hospital.^[19] It was modelled on the great English Public Schools,^[24] and was the first school to be established by the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales.^[9] Together with the Committee, Marden was responsible for organising the curriculum and hiring the appropriate staff.^[25]

By August 1888, the College had outgrown the Ashfield residence, which the committee had always considered to be a temporary home, and the newly established P.L.C Council, consisting of the Principal, six trustees (guarantors) and four members elected by the Assembly, began discussing alternative sites in the nearby suburb of Croydon. On 5 September 1889, Col. John Hay Goodlet, an Elder of the Ashfield Kirk Session and benefactor of the Church,^[26] told the council of Shubra Hall, the home of department store owner Anthony Hordern III at Croydon. The property was subsequently purchased on 26 October for £7,500, and plans were drawn up for the additional buildings required. By the beginning of the school year of 1891, the new site was complete and ready for furnishing as the permanent home of P.L.C. Marden worked closely with Albert Bond, the architect of the new school, and was responsible for most of the ideas for the new buildings, based on what he had seen at M.L.C Melbourne.^[24] Keenly interested in horticulture, he also laid out gardens and playing fields.^[23]

The Presbyterian reported of the opening of the College on 10 March 1891, by the Governor of N.S.W., the Rt. Hon. Victor Albert George, 7th Earl of Jersey at its new site:

Standing in six acres of ground, laid out in lawn tennis courts, gardens, etc., in an elevated position, it forms, with its tower 84 ft [26 m] high, a very conspicuous feature in the landscape. The central feature of the building is the tower, and the architectural design of the facade is classic. Altogether the effect is very imposing ... The main staircase window is a work of art well worth seeing. The central window is beautifully designed, and contains two female figures representing Literature and Music.^[24]

During the opening ceremony the Governor invited his wife, the Countess of Jersey, Margaret Child-Villiers, to speak. The Countess made what the Sydney Morning Herald described as a "capital impromptu speech."^[24] In part she said: "You cannot help being a great force in the future of your country ... you girls will be able to do far more for your native country, far more towards forming the character of the nation."^[24] The Countess's speech was widely reported throughout Australia and parts of the world, as at the time it was quite unusual for a woman to speak in public.^[24] P.L.C's Jersey Day, an annual event where ex-students return to the College on the Sunday closest to 10 March, is named in honour of the Countess.^[27]

[edit] Growth

In the early years at Croydon, girls tended to be enrolled at an older age, typically over fourteen. It was apparent that despite Marden's insistence, many parents viewed the College as a finishing school. As with today, it was not a requirement for students to be Presbyterians in order to attend, and early school roll's indicate that there were a number of Roman Catholic and Jewish students. By 1900 the reputation of the school had spread, and pupils were starting to come from a wide geographic area, including New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.^[28] Marden believed that women should share in opportunities for secondary and tertiary education, and also hold high Christian ideals. Although trained as a lawyer, he gave physics, chemistry and biology a prominent place at a time when few schools included much science in the curriculum.^[23]

By 1902 space had become a problem due to increasing student numbers, and Marden urged that new classrooms be built, which Council reluctantly agreed to. These buildings, an extension to Main School, and comprising six classrooms downstairs and 18 rooms upstairs, were finished and handed over by the contractor on 6 October 1904, at a cost of £2,000.^[24]

The increase in enrolments also convinced Council of the need to set up a branch school on another site, preferably on the North Shore. A committee was set up in June 1907 to study the feasibility of a second school, yet recommendations were not considered by the Council. By 1913, space at the college was at a premium, and Marden reported that many applications were being refused because of "shortness of space."^[24] The matter was taken to the Assembly of 1913, resulting in the approval of the establishment of a branch at Pymble under the Council of P.L.C Croydon. The Council was given £5,000 to erect new buildings and lay out the grounds. The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Pymble was opened on 8 February 1916 with 48 day girls and 86 boarders. Marden became the Principal of both schools. The opening of the Pymble campus necessitated a change of name for the Croydon College, from The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney to The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Croydon.^[24]

Marden retired at the end of 1919 and a Principal was appointed to each branch. Dr E. Neil McQueen, a prominent educational innovator who had previously been the Vice-Principal of the two schools, became the second Principal of P.L.C Croydon.^[24]

The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Beecroft was established by P.L.C Croydon in 1924 with 13 students. It was to serve as a primary feeder school for the College, however it did not receive adequate attention from college council and was forced to close in 1929. This school was reopened in 1930 by the assistant teacher, Ms Gurney, who named it Arden, and thus Arden Anglican School is still in existence today.^[29]

[edit] Second World War

In 1942, the new Principal, Dr. Helen Wilkie, arrived to find falling enrolments, staffing problems and food shortages due to the effects of the Second World War. Word was soon received that Australian military authorities wished to inspect the school with a view to taking it over. On 24 March 1942, it was requested that P.L.C be occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for the purpose of establishing a top secret Radar Unit and military barracks^[30] known as No.1 RIMU (Radio Installation and Maintenance Unit).^[31] As a result, Council approached Meriden School in Strathfield to see if P.L.C could be accommodated there. Meriden agreed to house the P.L.C boarders and to accommodate singing, domestic science, and physical education classes. Further, the school purchased Lingwood, a property in Strathfield, as a centre for the schools remaining activities.^[30]

At the end of 1942, the Meriden authorities indicated that they could no longer house the P.L.C boarders, so Lauriston (now the primary school of Santa Sabina College) and Welbeck, on The Boulevarde at Strathfield were rented to accommodate them. In July 1944, the owners of Lingwood asked if the school was interested in buying the property. Council agreed to the purchase in order to use the house as a Kindergarten feeder school for the College, or as a site for a permanent move. A few months later, Council decided that the future of P.L.C lay in Strathfield, and offered the Croydon campus to the military for £36,500. Plans were subsequently drawn up to purchase Welbeck and Lauriston to form the new P.L.C, however Council's wish for the school to stay in Strathfield was not shared by most of the school community.^[30]

Following intervention by the Education Trust of the N.S.W General Assembly in 1945, Council decided that the Strathfield proposal was not viable. It was agreed that P.L.C would reopen at Croydon in first term 1946. The military agreed to pay for the extensive renovations that were required, with the final cheque was handed over by the government on 21 March 1949. Lauriston and Welbeck were subsequently disposed of in 1946, however the Lingwood property was retained as a preparatory school. Negotiations were entered into with Margaret Thompson, the owner and principal of Branxton, a private school in Homebush Road, Strathfield. It was agreed that Thompson would close her school and move it to the Lingwood property where it would retain the name Branxton,^[b] and come under the control of P.L.C Council. Branxton had an informal link to the College prior to 1946, as it had been founded by the sister of an ex–student, and many Branxton students had gone on to complete their high school education at P.L.C.^[30]

Evidence of P.L.C's war-time occupation remain, with tunnels and bomb shelters accessible from below the stage of College Hall. A plaque presented to the school by the RAAF in commemoration of P.L.C's war-time involvement, may be found at the entrance to the Main School, on the school Verandah.^[30]

[edit] Church Union

In 1977, a Union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches took place, forming the Uniting Church of Australia. Approximately half of the Presbyterian Church decided to remain Presbyterian, and consequently the property of the Church had to be divided. In May of that year, it was announced that P.L.C Croydon was to remain Presbyterian, and P.L.C Pymble would be transferred, with its name changed to Pymble Ladies' College. Subsequently, in 1978 it was decided that P.L.C Croydon should return to its originally intended name of The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney.^[32]

[edit] Modern day

In late August 2005, due to financial troubles at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Armidale, it was announced that P.L.C Armidale and P.L.C Sydney would join to form an alliance, with both schools coming under the executive leadership of Dr William McKeith, the Principal of P.L.C Sydney. Members of the P.L.C Armidale Council formed part of the new joint school Council, essentially making the two P.L.C's true sister schools.^[33]

The aim of this alliance is to strengthen P.L.C Armidale through cooperative marketing, a change in management and a stronger financial base. It is also to be of benefit to both schools through student exchanges, accommodation for sporting events or excursions, and a 'country or city' option for prospective students. Both schools will maintain their separate identities in order to preserve the unique histories and traditions that both have developed over many years.^[33]

To mark P.L.C's 120th anniversary in 2008, the College has commissioned a limited edition commemorative coffee table book, PLC Sydney 1888-2008: A Photographic Essay.^[34]

[edit] Principals

Period	Details[25]
1887–1919	Dr John Marden, B.A. LL.D. (Melbourne) Principal of both Croydon and Pymble Colleges from 1916
1920–1929	Dr E. Neil McQueen, M.A. (Melbourne), D.Sc.(London). Vice-Principal of both Colleges until 1920
1929–1931	Acting Principal – Anna Drennan, M.A.(Edinburgh). Acting Principal at Pymble 1928
1933–1941	Mary Hamilton, B.A., Dip. Ed. (Melbourne)
1942–1945	Dr Helen Isabella Wilkie, M.A., Ph.D. (Edinburgh) Principal of P.L.C Armidale 1938–1941
1946–1956	Eunice Macindoe, B.Sc. (Sydney) Ex-Student of P.L.C Sydney (Class of 1921)
1957	Acting Principal – Jean Tassie, B.A
1958–1976	Freda L. Whitlam, B.A., Dip. Ed. (Melbourne) M.A. (Yale)
1977	Acting Principal – Norma Brown, B.A., Dip. Ed
1978–1985	Patricia Dyson, M.A., Dip. Ed. (Sydney)
1986–present	Dr William T. McKeith AM, B.A., Dip. Ed. (Macquarie), M.A. (Sydney), M.B.A. (Leicester), Ed. D. (Leicester), F.A.C.E., F.A.I.M. Principal of both P.L.C Armidale and P.L.C Sydney from 2005.[35]

[edit] Campus

The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney is situated on a 5 hectares (12 acres) campus featuring a mix of 19th–century and modern buildings, historic landscaped gardens and fields. The school is adjacent to Croydon Railway Station, and is within 15 minutes of the Sydney central business district, Sydney University, and the University of Technology.^[12] The school has grown significantly since its foundation, particularly since the 1980s.^[7]

Some notable facilities of the college include:

• The Amphitheatre is an outdoor space for school performances and classes built as part of the Science Courtyard redevelopment in 1997. It incorporates the Year 12 common room and its outdoor facilities.
• Arlington is a Victorian mansion accommodating the Principal and his family. Arlington was built in 1863 and purchased by P.L.C in 2003.^[36]
• The Boarding School was opened in 1890, and is located on the top floor of the Main School. It provides a modern boarding environment for 65 students, with Years 6 to 9 housed in Mance corridor in rooms containing 3 to 6 girls, 10 and 11 in Taylor corridor in twin rooms, and Year 12 in McKenzie corridor with private rooms.
• The Boat Shed is a leased facility for rowing, located at the Drummoyne Rowing Club in the nearby suburb of Drummoyne. P.L.C first commenced its rowing programme here in 1994.
• College Hall is the original school hall. Opened in 1890, it is now used for chapel services, social events and school meetings.
• The Croydon is a Creative Arts Centre featuring Drawing, Paint, Ceramic, Food Technology, Woodworking, Textiles, Photography and Print studios, together with computing facilities and The Adelaide Perry Gallery, an art gallery with regular exhibitions open to the school and wider community. Formerly the Croydon Hotel, the facility was purchased in 1997 and opened after conversions in 2000.^[37]
• Drummond Field is a large sporting field suitable for sports such as hockey, athletics and soccer.^[38] It was opened in 1989 after the purchase of property and land between the school and the railway line,^[39] and sections of Grosvenor, Meta and Elizabeth Streets.^[40]
• Evandale is the prep-school housing girls from Reception to Year 2. Purchased in 1992 and opened 1993, it is situated across the road from the main campus, and was formerly The Evandale School, a private school for primary aged students with disabilities.^[40]
• The Freda Whitlam School of Science is a three storey building housing science facilities,^[38] and was opened in 1997 by notable former Principal, Freda Whitlam.

• The JD Oates Aquatic Institute was opened in 2006 and is equipped with two heated indoor swimming pool's, classrooms, a staffroom and changerooms.^[41]
• The Junior School houses classrooms for Years 4 to 6 and an assembly space named Hamilton Hall. The current buildings were built 1963 on the site of the defunct boys' private school, Rugby House. This site was purchased in 1906 and was used as a Principal's residence until 1942, then housing staff and boarders until 1962.^[40]
• The Lindley Evans Music Centre features private music tuition rooms, music composition labs and classrooms. Opened in 1989,^[40] the centre is due for redevelopment following the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre.
• Macindoe Library was opened in 1992 on what was formerly Meta Street. It is the College's main library, with separate floors for Junior and Senior School students.^[38]
• Main School was the first extension to Shubra Hall, opening in 1890, and currently houses the boarders dining room, cafeteria, classrooms, College Hall and the Bursar's office. It is an L-shaped, National Trust listed building designed by Sydney Town Hall architect, Albert Bond, and is notable for its large stained glass window and 84 ft (26 m) tall tower.
• The Marden Memorial Library was designed and built by the Ex-Students' Union as a memorial to former Principal, Dr. John Marden. Opened in 1927, it is no longer used as a library due to its small size, rather it provides a venue for band practice and archival displays.^[40]
• The Performing Arts Centre includes the 550-seat Audrey Keown Theatre with orchestra pit, three music rehearsal rooms, three music classrooms, a computer composition laboratory, twelve music tutorial rooms, and a recording studio.^[41] The centre incorporates Harmsworth, the former Principal's residence, and was opened in 2006.

• Shubra Hall was originally the home of retailer Anthony Hordern III and his family. Built by the Hordern family in 1869, the property was purchased by P.L.C in 1889, and opened with additions in 1890. It is the College's oldest original building. Previously a residence for the College Principal's, it is now used as the main executive administration area.
• The Stables were built in 1869 and were originally used as the College stables and loft. Today the building houses the College reception, school shop and archives.
• Thompson Hall was opened in 1987,^[40] and is a multi-purpose hall featuring a sprung floor gymnasium, foam pit and a weights and conditioning centre.^[41]
• The West Wing was opened in 1904 as an extension to the Main School. The building houses classrooms and Year 12 boarding students.^[40]

[edit] Curriculum

The Presbyterian Ladies' College is a comprehensive school with an academic focus in the curriculum, taking a traditional academic approach designed to prepare students for university.^[42] The school is registered and accredited with the New South Wales Board of Studies,^[43] and therefore follows the mandated curriculum for all years.

[edit] Primary

Students in stages 1 to 3 (Kindergarten to Year 6) partake in classroom programmes based on that mandated by the Board of Studies, with the youngest students also following the Reggio Emilia approach to education. The six Key Learning Areas are studied: English, Mathematics, Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), Science and Technology, Creative Arts, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE). Specialist extension courses are offered to select Year 2 to 6 students with gifts and talents in special areas (SPEC).^[42]

[edit] Secondary

Stage 4 students (Years 7 and 8) also study a programme mandated by the Board of Studies. Subjects offered by the school for this stage include: English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, French, Mandarin, Latin, Japanese, German, Italian, Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Music, PDHPE, Computing and Religious Education. The "Excelsior class" is an enrichment programme offered to gifted and talented students in this stage and includes additional classes such as Philosophy and Olympiad activities.^[42]

In stage 5 (Years 9 and 10), students are prepared for the School Certificate and study a programme that comprises two elective courses and Religious Education, as well as the courses mandated by the Board of Studies. The compulsory core subjects are: English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History and Geography and PDHPE. Electives are chosen from Elective History, Elective Geography, French, German, Mandarin, Latin, Japanese, Italian, Commerce, Drama, Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, Music, Visual Arts and Physical Activity and Sports Science. In Year 10, the Excelsior class begins its study of the 1–Unit HSC course in Studies of Religion.^[42]

In the final school stage (Years 11 and 12) students are prepared for the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC). The curriculum at this stage has a clear university orientation. The Board of Studies requires stage 6 students to study a minimum of 12 units in the Preliminary Year and 10 units in their HSC Year (with most subjects worth 2 units). HSC English is compulsory and Standard, Advanced, Extension courses and 2-unit English as a Second Language are offered. Students may then choose from all levels of Mathematics, Senior Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Modern History, Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Legal studies, French, German, Latin, Japanese, Italian, Indonesian (Beginners), Mandarin, Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, Food Technology, Visual Arts, Music (Course 1 and 2), Drama and PD/H/PE.^[42]

University entry levels are high following the completion of stage 6. Each year approximately 50% of P.L.C students receive a Universities Admission Index (UAI) higher than 90.^[44] In the 2006 Higher School Certificate, a P.L.C student received a perfect score with a UAI of 100,^[45] and in 2007 The Daily Telegraph named P.L.C the best performing independent school in Sydney's inner–west.^[46]

[edit] Special education

P.L.C also offers a unique special education unit catering to students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The transition program was developed in 1992 in response to a decision by academic staff to provide a special-needs stream. Through this unit, up to 20 girls between the ages of 11 and 18 are provided with an individual program incorporating mainstream classes where possible.^[47]

The senior transition program for older students focuses on the Board of Studies Life Skills program. As part of this program, girls spend time as residential students in the on-campus Transition House, learning to self-cater and self-manage. Transition students also run an outdoor cafe as a small business, to gain related business skills.^[47]

[edit] Co-curriculum

[edit] Sport

P.L.C Sydney is arguably one of Australia's best girls sporting schools.^[48] The College has been a member of the Independent Girls' Schools Sporting Association (IGSSA) since its foundation in 1922,^[49] and through this association, senior students compete against 27 other girls' schools in graded weekend sports and carnivals. Sports available to students through IGSSA include Swimming, Diving, Rowing, Cross Country, Athletics, Gymnastics, Softball, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Netball, Cricket and Water Polo.^[50] In 2007 P.L.C won three IGSSA carnival premierships, in Diving for the ninth consecutive year, in Swimming,^[51] and in Gymnastics.^[52]

Primary school girls have the opportunity to participate in inter–school sport through P.L.C's membership of the New South Wales branch of the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA).^[49] The College also offers sports such as Skiing, Snowboarding, Equestrian and Badminton through various other competitions.^[49] Students with special sporting talent are offered a pathway to represent at the highest level available at P.L.C, IGSSA/JSHAA, Combined Independent Schools, state representation at School Sport Australia and Commonwealth and Olympic level.^[53]

In September 2007, the college broke the under-19 female Australian record for 24-hour non-stop rowing, with a distance of 337 kilometres (209 mi).^[54] Also in 2007, P.L.C was named the New South Wales School Snowsports Club of the Year by the NSW Snowsports Association,^[55] later winning the national award at the 2007 Ski and Snowboard Australia Awards.^[56]

The 2008 rowing season has been one of the schools best to date. In March, the PLC 1st VIII crew won the Schoolgirl Eight race at the IGSSA regatta,^[57] for the first time in the school's history. This crew was also successful at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships, winning the A Final of the Schoolgirls Eight race (the Sydney Cup), ahead of St Catherine's School, Toorak and Pymble Ladies' College, thus ranking them as the best schoolgirl VIII in Australia.^[58][59]

[edit] Ensembles

P.L.C Sydney offers musical ensembles to Junior and Senior School students, both selective and non-selective, including several bands, string orchestras, a full school orchestra, chamber music ensembles, choral groups and several smaller instrumental and vocal groups.^[60]

P.L.C also features the only all-girls Pipes and Drums corps in the state of New South Wales. The Pipes and Drums corps plays an important role in official school functions and traditions, and members have the opportunity to attend eisteddfods and competitions, combine with other schools for performances, perform at community events, and attend camps and musical tours.^[60]

[edit] Debating and public speaking

Debating and public speaking is considered a strength of P.L.C Sydney and has a long history of achievement. The college has competed in the Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) for the past five years^[61] and has had a long-standing commitment to the Archdale Debating Competition, with success at semi-final and final level,^[62] and winning the competition in 2006.^[63]

P.L.C Sydney enters teams into the Junior and Senior sections of the Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools (AHIGS) Festival of Speech, producing the best results of any AHIGS school over the history of the competition, with 10 consecutive wins in the competition's 12-year history.

Students may also compete in the Macquarie Cup and the Commonwealth Bank Senior Debating, in competition with a range of public, Catholic and independent Schools. The college organises Social Debates with surrounding schools as well as honouring a commitment to a regular competition with Trinity Grammar School with the P.L.C/Trinity Challenge.^[62]

[edit] Aid projects

The P.L.C Overseas Aid Fund has been established to enhance the college's work with aid projects in developing countries, and is an important part of the school's Round Square membership.^[64]

Current projects undertaken by the school include the establishment and on-going management of two Kindergartens in East Timor,^[65] the management and support of Birla Children's Orphanage in Vietnam, and the establishment of the 'Adopt a School' programme. The programme was developed and is directed by the Principal, Dr. McKeith, and matches schools in Australia with schools in Sri Lanka requiring rebuilding following the 2004 Tsunami. P.L.C's school through this programme is Senehasa Counselling, Training and Rehabilitation Centre for Girls.^[66]

[edit] Fees

As with most Australian private schools, P.L.C is not a full fee paying institution, due to it receiving government funding; full fees only apply to international students, who are not subsidised by any government funding. For non-international students, 2008 fees range from AU$11,360 to $20,150 per annum, and in excess of AU$32,000 per annum for boarding students.^[5]

P.L.C Sydney offers scholarships and bursaries that provide full or part remission of tuition fees to students who are Australian citizens, Permanent Residents of Australia or refugees. Academic scholarships are based on the results of the ACER Scholarship Examination, and are typically offered from Year 7 onwards. In addition to those awarded for academic performance, P.L.C also offers music and boarding scholarships. Indigenous Bursary's are available for students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, and are awarded following an interview with the Principal where the situation of the individual student and the family is considered.^[67]

[edit] Motto and crest

The school crest was adopted at a College Council meeting on 23 August 1888. The College Council decided to use the same crest as that used by the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales, but with minor modifications.^[1]

The Church's crest consisted of a shield with the words Nec Tamen Consumebatur (translated from Latin as "And yet it was not consumed")^[68] surrounding it. The shield featured the stars of the Southern Cross, a burning bush, and in outline, a Latin cross. At the base were the floral emblems of Scotland, England and Ireland. Surrounding the shield was a border with the words "Presbyterian Church of New South Wales", with a Star of David placed on top. Behind both shield and borders was the cross of St. Andrew in blue.^[1]

The School modified the crest by changing the words Presbyterian Church of New South Wales to Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney, placing a Maltese cross at the top of the shield and inserting the School motto Sancte Sapienter. The motto had been adopted by the school on 23 August 1888, and although no translation was given of the Latin, it may be loosely translated to "be holy wisely" or "holy, wisely."^[1]

[edit] School badge

The school's highly symbolic badge was inspired by the first Principal, Dr. Marden, and designed in 1888 by the first art teacher, J.A. Bennett. The maiden on the lion represents Knowledge, which is crowned by a tower representing the home, and holding a trident representing Sovereignty. A laurel wreath represents the victory of true womanhood, while the sun symbolises light and energy, and the crescent moon stands for youth. The words Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney surround the badge.^[2]

The motto All'Ultimo Lavoro is French and comes from Dante. It has variously been translated as: "for the crowning task", "strive for the highest", "the utmost for the highest", or "I work for the highest."^[2]

The badge is reproduced in the leadlight over the front door of Shubra Hall,^[2] and may also be found on the recently opened Ex-Students pathway. It was traditionally worn as part of the uniform on the tam-o-shanter, until it was phased out in 1995. The badge is currently not worn on the academc uniform, partially due to its adoption by Pymble Ladies' College as their school crest in 1977.^[2] It was however reintroduced in 2003 as an addition to the Beret of the P.L.C Pipes and Drums uniform, and is also used by the college's ex-student's union as it has since 1905, with the addition of the words "Ex-students Union" below.^[2]

[edit] Uniform

School Hymn

The Golden Hope Written 1893 by Dr. William Walsham How To the tune of "St. Fulbert"[c]

O Jesus, strong and pure and true, Before Thy feet we bow; The grace of earlier years renew, And lead us onward now. The joyous life that year by year Within these walls is stored, The golden hope, the gladsome cheer, We bring to Thee, O Lord. Our faith endow with keener powers, With warmer glow our love; And draw these halting hearts of ours From earth to things above. In paths our bravest ones have trod, O make us strong to go, That we may give our lives to God, In serving man below. Scorn we the selfish aim or choice, And love's high precept keep, "Rejoice with those that do rejoice, And weep with those that weep". So hence shall flow fresh strength and grace, As from a full-fed spring, To make the world a better place, And life a worthier thing. [69]

When the College first opened in 1888 there was no uniform, rather the girls wore long cotton dresses, gloves and hat. The early 20th century saw the introduction of a straw boater, worn with a red and white hat band featuring the college crest with its burning bush woven into it in red. Prefects during this time wore red silk arm-bands embroidered with a gold crest.^[70]

The distinctive Black Watch Tartan of the college was introduced in 1918. Senior girls wore heavy box-pleated skirts and white blouses, and junior girls wore pinafore dresses. All girls wore a navy blazer and heavy woollen stockings. Prefects at the time also wore a special hat badge with a ring of bright blue enamel. A black felt Breton was introduced for winter use, and no change was made until the introduction of the green beret in 1952.^[70]

1966 saw the introduction of the current Year 11 and 12 uniform. The uniform was designed by the senior students of 1965 and consists of a Black Watch kilt, white blouse, green blazer, green jumper or vest, black stockings for winter and bottle green knee-high socks for summer, and black leather lace-up shoes. Girls of Scottish origin are permitted wear the kilt pin representing their family or clan name, rather than the standard school pin. A green and Black Watch tam-o-shanter (known as 'the Beret') was also introduced for all grades a few years earlier.^[70]

1995 saw the phasing out of the school's distinctive Beret as girls found it difficult to wear,^[71] and this was replaced by the current Panama hat. The Beret was however reintroduced in 2003 as an addition to the Pipes and Drums uniform.

The current junior (R–10) uniform was introduced in 1997. In summer, girls are required to wear a Black Watch tunic, short-sleeve white blouse, green blazer with tartan piping, short green socks and black leather shoes. The winter uniform consists of the tunic, long-sleeve white blouse, the blazer, green jumper or vest, Black Watch Tartan tie, Black Watch Tartan scarf and either green knee-high socks or black stockings.^[72] School pockets are awarded for student achievements, and are embroidered in red on the pockets of junior blazers (R–10 girls), and white on the left-brest of senior blazers (11–12 girls).

[edit] College tartan

The school has adopted as its school and Pipes and Drums uniform, the Black Watch Tartan of the Royal Highland Regiment. P.L.C was granted permission to wear the tartan after its brother school, The Scots College, were issued a royal decree allowing them to use Black Watch as their Pipes & Drums and Cadets uniform. This tartan was carefully chosen by the school, as the 1958 Aurora Australis (the school yearbook) explained: "the tartan of the Black Watch, the oldest of the highland regiments. This tartan was specially designed for the regiment to prevent the jealousy which would have been aroused, if any existing clan tartan had been used."^[73]

[edit] House system

The house system was established by Dr. John Marden shortly after the opening of the school, and consisted of three houses: East, West and Boarders. In 1924 the senior houses were re-organised and renamed Kinross, Harper and Ferguson (with Anderson added in 1968), followed in 1926 by the introduction of junior houses, named Vicars and McQueen (with Thompson added in 1937).^[74] 1979 saw the school move to four houses from primary to secondary, and thus the junior houses disappeared.^[74] Finally, 1995 saw the introduction of two new houses named Pickard and Wilkie. The Houses are named after women and men who have made a significant contribution to the life of the College.^[75]

Anderson

Mrs E.O Anderson (1885–1985) attended P.L.C from 1898 to 1902. She was a foundation member of the Committee of the Ex-Students' Union in 1906, then President (1927–1932), and Patroness from 1936. In 1932 she petitioned the Assembly for the appointment of women to the P.L.C Council. Anderson was a member of the Council (1932–1958), and a benefactor to the College all her life.^[75]

Ferguson

Rev. John Ferguson (1852–1925) was a minister of St Stephen's Church, Sydney, and in 1917, Acting Principal of St Andrew's Theological College at the University of Sydney. He was appointed Senior Chaplain and Chairman of P.L.C Council in 1913, serving until 1923.^[75]

Harper

Rev. Dr Andrew Harper (1844–1936) was the third Principal of P.L.C Melbourne (1879–1888). He then lectured at Ormond Theological College, Melbourne before coming to Sydney, where he was Principal of St Andrew's Theological College (1902–1923). He was Chairman of P.L.C Council from 1907 until 1913.^[75]

Kinross

Rev. Dr John Kinross (1833–1908) was a Presbyterian minister at Kiama (1858–1875). He then became Principal of St Andrew's Theological College from 1875 until 1901, and Chairman of P.L.C Council from 1888 until 1906.^[76][75]

Pickard

Marion Pickard was appointed to the College as a teaching governess in June 1888. She was Lady Superintendent from 1894 until her resignation in 1907. In 1905 Pickard was elected the first President of the Ex-Students' Union.^[75]

Wilkie

Dr Helen Wilkie (1895–1984), was the second Headmistress at P.L.C Armidale (1938–1941), and then the fourth Principal of P.L.C Sydney (1942–1946). On her appointment to Croydon she was immediately confronted with the takeover by the RAAF, and organised the move of the College to Strathfield.^[75]

[edit] Ex-Students' Union

The Ex-Students' Union is the school's alumni association. It was inaugurated on the evening of 9 December 1905, when at the invitation of Dr. Marden, several former students discussed the proposal, elected as their President the then Lady Superintendent, Marion Pickard, and formed a committee to produce a constitution. These were confirmed at a General Meeting on Jersey Day 1906, and the committee took office until 1907. At its foundation, the main objective of the union was to:^[d] "be the accumulation of a special fund to be devoted to the erection of a chapel and library at the College, and an Ex-Students' prize to be awarded annually to the girl most proficient in work and sport."^[77]

The Union achieved much in its first few years, renting a building in the CBD to serve as a club and committee meeting place, making garments for hospitals, visiting Kindergartens, the YWCA, Home of Peace, Infants' Home and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. An Ex-Students' Orchestra and Dramatic Club were formed, and Tennis and Croquet matches were held between current and former pupils.^[77]

In 1916 the Pymble College was opened and its first Ex-Students' expressed an interest in joining the Union. Subsequently a combined Union was formed, known as the P.L.C Croydon and Pymble Ex-Students' Union, and an Ex-Students' prize was established at Pymble on the same conditions as at Croydon.^[77]

One of the Unions' most significant contributions to the school was planned following the death of Dr. Marden in 1924. With the desire to provide Marden with a "fitting and lasting memorial",^[77] it was decided that a library, to be called the John Marden Memorial Library, should be built at the Croydon College. This building was opened by Mrs. Marden in 1927 and although no longer suitable as a library due its size, remains a treasured part of the school.^[77]

In 1929, it was proposed that "Pymble students should form a separate Union"^[77] and that an equitable division of Union funds should be undertaken. This explains the two separate groups that exist today, however it is still not uncommon for Pymble students to attend Croydon reunions and events, particularly those in regional areas or interstate.^[77]

[edit] Notable alumnae

Main article: List of Old Girls of PLC Sydney

Florence Taylor, Class of 1896

Alumnae of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney are commonly referred to as P.L.C Old Girls, and may elect to join the schools alumni association, the P.L.C Ex-Students' Union.^[77]

In 2001, The Sun-Herald ranked P.L.C Sydney fourth in Australia's top ten girls' schools, based on the number of its alumni mentioned in the Who's Who in Australia (a listing of notable Australians).^[18][a] Amongst these women are Sibyl Morrison, the first female barrister in New South Wales,^[78] Marie Byles, the first practicing female solicitor in New South Wales,^[79] Jessie Aspinall, the first female junior resident medical officer at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital,^[80] and Florence Mary Taylor, the first qualified female architect and first woman to train as an engineer in Australia, and the first woman in Australia to fly in a heavier-than-air craft.^[81]

[edit] Notes

• ^{^}  Who's Who of girls' school rankings: 1. PLC Melbourne, 2. SCEGGS Darlinghurst, 3. MLC Melbourne, 4. PLC Sydney, 5. Melbourne Girls Grammar School, 6. Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, 7. North Sydney Girls High School, 8. Sydney Girls High School, 9. MLC Sydney, 10. University High School, Melbourne
• ^{^}  Branxton served as a co-educational prep school for the college until 1996, when it was sold to Meriden School and its name reverted back to "Lingwood".
• ^{^}  Hymn originally written for Marlborough College to celebrate its jubilee in 1893. Thought to have been adopted by P.L.C c. 1930.
• ^{^}  The proposal to build a Chapel was abandoned in 1907, and subsequently a Chapel has never been built at P.L.C.

[edit] See also

• List of non-government schools in New South Wales
• List of boarding schools
• List of pipe bands
• Head of the River (New South Wales)

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

• McFarlane, J.D. 1988. The Golden Hope: Presbyterian Ladies' College, 1888-1988. P.L.C Council, Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney. ISBN 0-9597340-1-5.
• Diamond Jubilee Year Book. P.L.C Croydon, 1948.
• Menzies, W. 1989. Strive to the utmost : a historical account of the occupation of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Croydon by the Royal Australian Air Force during the World War II. Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney, Croydon N.S.W.
• Coleman, M. 1991. This is Pymble College: The First 75 years, 1916-1991. Pymble Ladies' College.
• McFarlane, J.D. 1970, A Brief History of P.L.C Goulburn, 1921-1970. Goulburn, Goulburn Post.
• Butt, M.F. 1978. Presbyterian Ladies' College, Orange - A Journal. Orange, G.H Craig.
• Fitzpatrick, K. 1975. PLC Melbourne: The First Century 1875-1975. Burwood, The Presbyterian Ladies College.
• Reid, M.O. 1960. The Ladies Came to Stay: A Study of the Education of Girls at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne 1875-1960. Melbourne, Council of the College.

[edit] External links

• Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney website
• PLC Sydney Sport website
• Presbyterian Ladies' College, Armidale website
• Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW

v • d • e Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney Main Articles · Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney · List of Old Girls of PLC Sydney Related Organisations · Presbyterian Church of Australia · Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools · Independent Girls' Schools Sporting Association · Junior School Heads Association of Australia · Round Square Previous Principals and Important Figures · John Marden · Ewen Neil McQueen · John Ferguson · Andrew Harper · Flora Eldershaw Sister Schools · The Scots College · Presbyterian Ladies' College, Armidale Website: www.plc.nsw.edu.au

v • d • e Presbyterian Church of Australia Schools Belgrave Heights Christian School • Covenant College, Canberra • Fairholme College • King's College, Warrnambool • Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney • Presbyterian Ladies' College, Armidale • Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne • St. Andrew's Christian College • Scotch College, Melbourne • The Scots College • The Scots School, Bathurst

v • d • e Members of the Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools, New South Wales, Australia Abbotsleigh • Ascham • Brigidine • Calrossy • Canberra GGS • Danebank • Frensham • Kambala • Kincoppal • Loreto Kirribilli • Loreto Normanhurst • Meriden • MLC • Monte • NEGS OLMC • PLC Armidale • PLC Sydney • Pymble • Queenwood • Ravenswood • Roseville • SCEGGS • St Catherine's • St Clare's • St Vincent's • Santa Sabina • Tara • Wenona