At the start of a new term, the headmistress Miss Annersley and other staff members receive news about an unruly new student named Emerence Hope who is being sent to them from Australia. Emerence arrives early and immediately causes trouble, being rude and disobedient. The teachers try to discipline her, but Emerence continues to misbehave. Finally, a group of students led by Mary-Lou Trelawney try to keep Emerence under control. Can anyone help this poor girl fit in?