From the Principal
“Strive to be first: first to nod, first to smile, first to compliment, and first to forgive.” – Anonymous
We do love our firsts at Pymble. We were the first school in the Southern Hemisphere to launch Data Science as a subject, the first to host a Rugby 7s competition for girls and now we are the first school to sign sports legend Lauren Jackson to launch a basketball academy for students in Years 3-12. Our theory is, if our girls can dream it, we will pull out all stops so they can do it at Pymble.
On Sunday night, Matt and I had the absolute joy of joining Rachel Maenpaa, Head Coach – Basketball, along with Adam Raw, Director of Sport, several staff members and an exuberant team of Pymble Pulse student supporters at the LJ Tribute Game at Qudos Bank Arena. It was such a great night of girl power and fantastic to see our Pymble students stand out in their sports uniform, roaring from the sidelines. You may have seen our announcement about the academy, which was picked up by Channel 7.
Just as important are the firsts our girls achieve for themselves. A parent of a student currently on our Year 9 Residential Program out at Vision Valley was thrilled to receive a letter home from her daughter proudly announcing she was the first to have a go on the high ropes – something that previous made her feel more than a little wobbly. I’m also thinking of all the girls who audition to take part in something for the very first time, whether that’s a cast or crew role in our upcoming The Addams Family Musical (get your tickets here), a debating team, or any other academic or curricular pursuit. Trying something new takes courage and is to be celebrated, whatever the outcome.
As it turns out, this morning I was re-listening to a great podcast of Brené Brown interviewing Dan Pink about his book The Power of Regret. So much of this interview centred around regretting not being courageous; regretting the things that we don’t do, rather than the things we do.
So…here’s to a year of firsts for our girls – whether that’s taking a first step towards a personal goal, being the first person to speak up for someone who cannot find their voice, or being the first to nod, smile, compliment and forgive when it truly matters.
And now it is my pleasure to handover this column for the first time this year to our wonderful Head Prefects, Julie Sheng and Bella Walker, who will share their theme for 2024. For our new families who may not know, each year our Prefect team selects a theme to set the tone of their leadership. It’s a message your daughters will hear consistently from the student leadership team throughout the coming year.
It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s got spirit: 2024 – Hear us roar!
“Having been inspired by the famous lion on our school logo, Katy Perry’s infamous song and many powerful women who aren’t afraid to share their opinion, our Prefect theme for this year intends to empower and uplift Pymble girls as individuals and as a community. We believe everybody has a roar that deserves to be heard. Although it can sometimes be a jungle out there, Pymble students can rest safe knowing that their roar, whenever and however they choose to share it, will be recognised and valued.
“2024 will be a year of pride. Just as lions flock together in their prides and support one another, our Pymble family will similarly encourage and empower one another, bonded through our shared love for the College.
“2024 will be a year of action. Students will be encouraged to take the chance, step up, and put themselves forward for both formal and informal leadership roles.
“2024 will be a year of trust. Trusting the friends, teachers and mentors here to guide us on our journey.
“And of course, 2024 will be a loud year – a year of cheering each other on, laughing, and roaring.
“We’re looking forward to hearing Pymble students as they travel out and about in the jungle.
“With much love from your safari guides, Julie and Bella.”
Launch of Student Instagram
In assembly next week, our Year 12 leaders will be launching another first – a private Instagram account for Pymble students. This is a Prefect-led initiative that many students have been requesting for quite some time to enable them to promote and celebrate school events and achievements amongst their Pymble peers using a channel they enjoy. All care has been taken to establish supervising staff and rules of engagement to ensure the account remains a private, safe and friendly place for current Pymble students aged 13+ only. It is by no means mandatory, but an additional channel we are allowing the student body to trial to help them build school spirit and share more roars in 2024.
More details can be found by clicking here.
Windows into Learning
Please enjoy this week’s Windows into Learning, celebrating some of our amazing teachers across all year groups and subjects at the College and the wonderful work they do with your daughters.
Year 2 Performing Arts
“Year 2 students recently embarked on a musical journey inspired by the sounds of a rainstorm. First, they explored the various elements that constitute a rainstorm: the slippery plop of raindrops, the rumble of thunder and the gentle rustle of the wind. Armed with this newfound knowledge, they set out to translate these natural phenomena into musical notes and rhythms using a variety of instruments, ranging from whirlies, to glockenspiels, to drums. Some mimicked the soft pitter patter of rain using delicate keystrokes, while other recreated the thunderous roar with booming drumbeats and a crashing of cymbals. The culmination of their efforts was a captivating performance, where every note and rhythm echoed the wonders of the natural world. With beaming smiles and a sense of accomplishment, the students showcased their creativity and ingenuity, proving that inspiration can be found even in the most unexpected of places.”
Tiffany Farlow
Performing Arts Teacher
Secondary School Languages
“Fancy a game of Piranha-grammar or Sentence Stealer? Games are a great way for students to be physically and cognitively active and to connect with their peers while consolidating their learning. They enable teachers and students to develop a sense of community based on trust and respect. For language learners in particular, games are an opportunity to practise new vocabulary or grammar and to improve their communication skills and fluency in a safe and joyful environment. Below are a few highlights of learning in Secondary Language classes this week.
Salina Bussien
Head of Learning Area – Modern and Classical Languages
