Presbyterian Ladies' College - Melbourne

From the Principal

20-11-09

One of the most important aspects of PLC is the strong Christian foundation that underpins the College and our policies and directions. Presbyterian Ladies’ College was founded in 1875 as a direct consequence of a group of Melbourne’s Scottish Presbyterian fathers who had a very high regard for learning, and a strongly held belief that their daughters deserved the same educational opportunities that were currently being enjoyed by their sons. Their vision and foresight and their determination to do something about it led to the establishment of PLC. The Ladies’ College (as it was first known) opened in East Melbourne on 15 February 1875 with 60 pupils.

And today, nearly 135 years later, the educational foundations established in those early days are still the foundations of PLC. They are

a love of learning
a broad stimulating curriculum to cater for the needs and interests of all students
a climate of encouragement, respect and self discipline, and
a strong Christian foundation.

With this strong Christian foundation all girls at PLC are given the opportunity to examine the teachings and claims of Jesus, to participate in Christian worship and to explore the values and ethos of the Christian gospel as a framework for formulating their own values base. This is an important part of the rich and meaningful education we offer to all our girls. It is also the basis for our strong focus on service and giving back, and on educating our young women to have an awareness of the needs, the injustices and of the marginalised in our society and then to be prepared to use their education to make a positive difference for good wherever they go, to have a will to resolve such injustices, and a heart to serve others.

Our Christian framework is invaluable as we seek to grow and nurture young women of stature, integrity and character. A good curriculum is one that is integrated, in which the pivotal core values and key emphases, are embedded across the curriculum rather than being taught in isolated units. At PLC there are many core values, qualities and strong foundational areas that we are seeking to embed across many curriculum areas – our clear Christian teachings and values, good citizenship, an international and multicultural mindedness, an awareness of the needs of others, an appreciation of the value of education, a love of learning, resilience and adaptability, critical and creative thinking, perseverance, an understanding of and respect for others, self confidence, empathy and compassion, self awareness, an appreciation of the arts, respect for the environment and a commitment to its sustainability, and a multitude of competencies including ICT and written and oral communication. It is no wonder that a PLC education is stimulating, challenging and enriching.

Last Friday evening many in the PLC Community enjoyed a very stimulating evening as part of our Christian Fellowship program. Our guest speaker was Dr Evonne Paddison, CEO of Access Ministries. Access Ministries is a vital ministry within Victoria focused on providing Chaplains to Victorian schools, to work within the school communities to help support and encourage students at risk, or at times of need or crisis for them or their families. The program is a very significant one, much valued by the many schools that are part of this program. Evonne shared with us some of the many aspects of her work with a particular focus on the work done by Access and many school Chaplains ministering to the communities affected by the Victorian fires in February this year, and particularly to the children and schools in these areas. It was very moving to hear the personal stories of tragedy and loss and also of those who have given much to support and care for those who are grieving and suffering. The vital work of our Chaplains and volunteers is a significant one in enabling people to rebuild their lives and their communities.

I would like to thank our School Chaplain, Rev Green, and the many staff, girls and families at PLC who are involved in so many different areas of ministry to others, both within our own community and beyond. A significant factor in our own growth as individuals and as a community is to be people who are outward centred, not self centred, and who see the imperative of using our education and the many opportunities we have to make a positive difference for good in the lives of others.

Elaine Collin
Principal

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