The overall development of each girl is our aim so her progression towards becoming an independent, responsible citizen, equipped with skills for life, begins from the time she enters PLC, whatever her age.

The Counselling Department, with two qualified psychologists and a Careers Counsellor, contributes to the personal development programs and provides support for students, staff and families.

Specific leadership and service programs aim to promote various skills for life and complement opportunities students have to assume responsibility and develop a healthy self-confidence.

Staff in the Early Learning Centre involve children in making decisions and accepting responsibility as they thrive in a happy learning-environment. Right from the start, children enjoy the security that underpins steady emotional, physical and intellectual development.

Experienced staff plan to ensure that Junior School students also know this security as they develop the confidence to make friends, take risks and meet challenges. Cross-age activities and co-curricular programs that include buddies, big sisters, protective behaviours and outdoor education complement classroom practices that aim to engender a healthy self-esteem.

In the Senior School, there are many personal development programs.

Year 7

• Orientation to Senior School
• Form Periods
• Peer link with Year 10 students
• Outdoor Education- a five-day residential camp with overnight camping, raft-building, swimming, horse riding and bushwalking.
• Social Work

Year 8

• Outdoor Education - three nights camping in the bush and one night at base camp. Activities include rafting, backpacking, climbing and abseiling.
• Skills for Living - communication, self-defence, healthy living, decision-making
• Social Work

Year 9

• Operates in conjunction with Human Studies (refer Year 9 Curriculum).
• OutLook.9 - An innovative learning adventure involving a week spent exploring each of the Victorian bush, PLC's local community and Melbourne's city centre.
• Outdoor Education - In small groups, girls spend five days on a ‘journey’ in semi remote bush, carrying all equipment and supplies. Preparation includes equipment and route planning, map work, menu planning, and journal-writing.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Ballroom Dancing - with Year 10 boys
• Social Work

Year 10

• Human Relations - three-day program on sexuality, personal relationships and responsible decision-making in the context of Christian values and beliefs.
• Participation in Politics - two-day program on living in a democratic society.
• Study Skills - organisation, stress, time management and exam preparation.
• Outdoor Education - five-day camp, planned by girls, based on an activity they select eg cycling, bushwalking, sailing, rafting, canoeing, surfing, horseriding.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Careers Education - to assist with course and career choices prior to Years 11 and 12.
• Leadership experience for every girl - Peer Link, Big Sister, Year 7 camp leadership, House Magazines, SRC, sports coaching.
• Social Work
• Work Experience

Year 11

• Year 11 Leadership Camp - two days of cross country skiing and participating in activities to foster leadership skills for Year 12.
• Careers Counselling and Speakers
• Year 11 Formal
• Social Work
• School Magazine

Year 12

• Leadership Roles in day school and Boarding House
• Year 12 Formal
• Social work
• Careers Counselling and Speakers
• Hospitality Training Course (Optional)

Outdoor Education

Involvement in challenging, adventure experiences in the natural environment is an essential component of the personal and social education of each girl. Removed from the routines of home, school and our consumer-oriented society, these camps at Years 7 - 11 provide a sequential, comprehensive program to develop outdoor skills, self-reliance, initiative, environmental awareness, leadership and a sense of community. They also offer an introduction to leisure activities with potential for life-long enjoyment.

Social Service

Social Service is a strong element of a PLC education and each year level conducts fund-raising activities to assist causes of their choice. Year 9 girls, and those studying for the International Baccalaureate or participating in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, also undertake community service outside the College.

The House System

Participation in House activities is a long-standing PLC tradition that facilitates the formation of across-age friendships. Inter-House competitions in a range of sporting and non-sporting activities develop leadership skills, teamwork and a keen House spirit.

Pastoral Care

Although large enough to provide a wealth of opportunities, PLC is small enough for each girl to be known and valued individually. The structured Pastoral Care program involves a Student Co-ordinator, Year Level Co-ordinators and Class Teachers, supported by trained psychologists, a full-time Careers Counsellor and a Chaplain. Staff lead by example with the expectation that Christian values will guide the actions of all. Hence, the school operates within an atmosphere of trust, respect and concern for others.

The College expects courteous, considerate behaviour from all students. The approach focuses on encouragement and recognition of appropriate with firm yet respectful correction when guidelines are ignored. Consequences for inappropriate behaviour are appropriate to the occasion, are based on procedural fairness and explicitly forbid corporal punishment.