From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Remembrance Day
It has been another busy and exciting week in Senior School. As a College we gathered on Monday to commemorate Remembrance Day, to remember the bravery of the thousands of Australian personnel who have given their lives in war. I would like to acknowledge the Pymble Cadets and the Senior girls who participated in this service. A thoughtful personal tribute was paid by Year 12 student, Lydia, who told us about her experiences while completing the Kokoda Track. I have printed her speech below:
Earlier in the year I had an amazing opportunity to hike the Kokoda Track as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award with my dad and 40 other amazing people ranging from the ages of 15 to 60.
The Track itself is often unheard of, which is sad as it’s one of Australia’s most important battles of the second world war. The Japanese came extremely close to invading Australia and who knows where we would be today if they succeeded.
If you can picture this, a battalion of young Australian soldiers being dropped off in a foreign country known as Papua New Guinea, knowing nothing other than it might be a bit hot and you will be defending the track against a few Japanese soldiers.
Little did these men know what the terrain was like. Nothing like they had ever seen. It was so mountainous with a steep narrow track, heat and humidity, disease limited food and ammunition and very basic knowledge of what they were about to endure.
This inexperienced 39th militia battalion came up against numerically superior, well equipped, and experienced jungle fighters of the Japanese Imperial Army.
Through the bravery and determination of the Australians they were able to prevent the Japanese taking Port Moresby and it was one of the important battles in the Pacific that turned the war.
My personal experience was nothing like these brave men however, just being able to walk in the footsteps of the many extraordinary men including my Great-grandfathers, and most likely many of yours, was truly such a seral experience and it definitely gave me a new outlook on life. It made me appreciate all of the opportunities I have today and so much more.
The track was definitely hard and it pushed me physically, mentally and emotionally, as we walked up mountains, through muddy swamps, and rivers with water up to my neck with nothing by a small flimsy rope to hold onto.
This was petrifying, and even though I wanted to complain and say “my feet hurt” or “how much longer”, that voice at the back of my head throughout the rain, humidity and the freezing cold kept telling me that I don’t have it nearly as bad as they did and that mindset kept me going through those tough times.
I am so proud to stand here today and say I have done this trek and I truly hope my experience has inspired one of you to possibly take on this challenge.
And if not, I hope you take the time to reflect on the people who served and continued to serve today.
And to finish I would like to honour all of men and women that fought in the war as these ordinary people did extraordinary things under such extreme circumstances.
Jacaranda Day
On Tuesday we came together as a College to celebrate Jacaranda Day, the day that we all think about how we can be of service to our community. Thank you to the Senior girls also took part in this service and special thanks to Tanvi and Tiyana who shared such inspiring memories of their recent service tour to Tanzania. I would also like to thank the girls and families who so generously contributed gifts and groceries to the collection. These will be distributed to the Bill Crews Foundation, which assists people and families who are in need of extra support.
Constitutional Convention
Congratulations to Jiya, who will be representing New South Wales at the Constitutional Convention in Canberra next March. Jiya was selected to represent her state after her impressive contributions at the New South Wales Constitutional Convention earlier this year.
Dance Showcase
I had the pleasure of attending the Dance Showcase last Friday night and was completely blown away by the performances of all the dancers. It was such a treat to see our recently graduated Year 12 students in their final performance, alongside our current Year 12 dancers. My sincere congratulations to all students who were involved in this extraordinary evening, and special mention to those students who were involved in backstage roles.
From the Secondary School Parent Group
Pilar and Susan hope that parents and carers from Year 12 2024 can join us for this end-of-year event being held at the Yemma’s home on Friday 8 December. It promises be a fun evening and a great opportunity to reconnect before the summer break. For catering purposes, please RSVP asap to Susan (sma.liu@yahoo.com)
Cost: $42 per person
When: Friday 8 December at 7.00pm
Where: The Yemma’s home at 103 Junction Road, Wahroonga
RSVP by December 1st to Susan sma.liu@yahoo.com
Please advise of any dietary requirements.
Term 4 – Key Dates
23 November – Dan Haesler presentation – Winning’s a Lousy Teacher
6 December Speech Day Year 7 to 11
6 December Term 4 concludes
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School