PLC has long had a commitment to the health and wellbeing of girls. One key approach to this has been through participation in sport.

When PLC opened in 1875, not everyone approved of sport as a suitable pastime for girls; rather, some people discouraged girls from activities considered noisy, boisterous or aggressive. There was little formal or organised sport for young women, nor was it a prominent part of most school curricula. Despite these prevailing societal views, PLC’s early Headmasters held a different opinion. They recognised the value of physical activity and introduced it as an important element of life at the College.

Almost from the beginning, PLC offered extra classes in ‘gymnastics’ or ‘physical culture’, early terms for Physical Education, involving drills with weights or clubs. Over time, these sessions became a regular part of school life, expanding to include calisthenics-style drills, ‘country dancing’ and rhythmic exercises, all aimed at promoting good health.

In the early twentieth century, PLC leaders became strong advocates for the wellbeing benefits of both exercise and team sport. Headmaster John Wilson famously formed a cricket club for the girls and bowled the first ball himself. His successor, James Bee, observed that ‘a certain amount of exercise is necessary for the healthy girl…most work hard [and] require relaxation and recreation.’ He encouraged girls to ‘hit hard and play to win’ and reflected that team sports helped them ‘develop powers of organisation, of good temper under all circumstances, determination to do one’s best, even in a losing game, quickness of thought and action, self-reliance [and] unselfishness.’

The sports available to PLC girls at that time included tennis and hockey, along with baseball, which soon replaced cricket and became our most popular sport. From then, a series of influential Sports Mistresses and teachers helped sport and PE grow into a core part of life at PLC.

By 1971, PLC had teams for swimming, hockey, tennis, baseball and netball. Girls could also participate in archery, badminton, golf, gymnastics, judo, karate, lifesaving, skiing, squash, snow skiing, waterskiing and bowls.

A pivotal milestone came in 2001, when PLC joined Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV), an organisation founded to empower girls through sport and promote physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development. 

Today at PLC, the breadth of sporting opportunities has expanded further, along with the understanding of its impact, not just on physical health, but on personal development and emotional wellbeing. Over time, sport has come to be recognised as a vital contributor to the overall wellbeing of students. 

Simon Bourke, PLC’s current Director of Sport, is passionate about the role of sport in the lives of young women. ‘It teaches transferable skills such as resilience, teamwork and self-discipline that benefit students in every part of their lives,’ he says. ‘But above all, it plays a huge role in student wellbeing, providing connection, purpose and balance.’

Students at PLC can now take part in AFL, aerobics, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, dance, diving, golf, hockey, netball, rounders, rowing, snowsports, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, water polo and more.

In addition to these sports, Senior School girls can participate in more than 20 sports through weekly competitions, carnivals, tournaments and events, thanks to PLC’s longstanding GSV membership. This year we marked the 25th anniversary of GSV with a special event bringing together past and present students, staff, coaches, Heads of Sport and Principals. PLC attendees included current staff and former Sport Directors who have been part of the GSV evolution. Past PLC Director of Sport, Jen Rivett shared: ‘Over the years, we haven’t just witnessed GSV grow – we’ve been part of that growth. The 24 GSV member schools, working together with the GSV staff, have helped shape a wonderful platform for students to participate and compete for their school, regardless of their experience or level.’

L to R: Past PLC Directors of Sport Pamela Simon, Jen Rivett and Sally Pontifex, and current PLC Director of Sport, Simon Bourke, at the 25th anniversary of GSV celebration

Supporting this vision, the recently opened Joan Montgomery Centre provides an exceptional space for students to train, compete and connect – a commitment to sport that is strongly championed by Head of Senior School Gina Peele, a two-time Olympian in rowing.

Reflecting on the new centre, she shares, ‘It’s unlike any other facility in a girls’ school in Victoria.’ Gina is especially excited about its potential not only for sport-specific training but also for broader wellbeing and strength and conditioning programs.

The Centre also houses PLC’s signature Wellness in Motion program for students in Years 11 and 12. Grounded in the latest research linking physical and mental health, this initiative offers a variety of activities designed to promote lifelong wellbeing.

The future of sport at PLC is bright. Just like its past, it will continue to be shaped not only by talented athletes, but by a deep belief in the broader value of sport. Gina reinforces a principle that has been at the heart of PLC’s sporting tradition since its earliest days: ‘Sport is about more than fitness, it’s a foundation for wellbeing, confidence and connection.’