advertisement plc @ temporary residence in strathfield, 1942 in 1941, both principal mary hamilton, , senior mistress (novelist, critic , historian) flora eldershaw, left school fill wartime positions in bureaucracy. in 1942, new principal, dr helen wilkie, arrived find falling enrolments, staffing problems , food shortages due effects of second world war. word received australian military authorities wished inspect school view taking over. on 24 march 1942, requested plc occupied royal australian air force (raaf) purpose of establishing top secret radar unit , military barracks known no.1 rimu (radio installation , maintenance unit). in order accommodate plc s students , classes, council approached meriden school in strathfield. meriden agreed house boarders , singing, domestic science, , physical education classes. plc purchased lingwood, property in strathfield, centre school s remaining activities. at end of 1942, meriden authorities indicated no longer house plc boarders, lauristo