Future students of PLC Armidale are being invited to spend a night in the boarding house and watch the school’s famous Guild Song Battle as part of an Experience Day later this month.
Girls entering Year 7 in 2027 and 2028 are welcome to attend the event on Friday, 26 June, which gives prospective students a taste of the friendships, opportunities and community the Armidale school is known for.
The day culminates in the Guild Song Battle, an end-of-semester tradition in which the school’s four student guilds compete through musical performances. This year the theme is Michael Jackson, with four of the King of Pop’s greatest hits brought to life through choreography and vocals.
PLC Armidale has four guilds, Dixon, Hamlin, Lovell and Wilkie, each providing a forum for girls to participate in sport, public speaking, music and drama. The guilds are designed to build connection across every year level, with members working together to create a caring environment in which all students are valued as individuals.
Each guild is led by a Captain and Deputy-Captain elected by fellow guild members, and all students are encouraged to pursue leadership roles within the system.
Head of Senior School Kate Clynch said the Experience Day was designed to help girls feel at ease about the move to secondary school.
“Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest milestones for a young person and their family,” Mrs Clynch said.
“We want girls to leave our Experience Day knowing that PLC Armidale is a place where they will be known, encouraged and challenged to become the very best version of themselves.”
Before the Song Battle, all Year 6 attendees will have the chance to sleep over in the PLC Armidale Boarding House. The overnight stay includes games and activities aimed at giving girls an authentic feel for boarding life at the school, which describes itself as the preeminent regional all-girls boarding school.
The guild system extends well beyond the Song Battle, underpinning much of college life at PLC Armidale. Through their guild, students develop independence, confidence and the enthusiasm to contribute fully to the school community. They are also supported to take responsibility for their actions and engage with others in a considerate and courteous way.
Mrs Clynch said the Guild Song Battle captured something important about the school’s character.
“There is something incredibly special about seeing our Guilds come together for Guild Song Battle. While the performances are fantastic, what really shines through is the sense of belonging, teamwork and joy that defines our College culture. It is one of the highlights of the school year and a wonderful way for prospective students to experience the energy and spirit of our College,” Mrs Clynch said.
Reservations can be made at https://events.humanitix.com/sleepover-and-guild-song-battle-experience