From the Boarding School

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Isolated Children’s and Parent’s Association Conference in Dubbo. This important annual event sees parents from around the State coming together to discuss and promote the education offering for rural and remote students. There was a huge variety of stakeholders represented with everyone from ‘teaching mums’ to the Deputy Premier, Prue Car who also holds the role of Minister for Education and Early Learning and, Fiona Nash, the Regional Education Commissioner, multiple senators and industry bodies. It was an impressive lineup, all dedicated to improving educational outcomes for isolated students and it is interesting to consider the ways in which we can contribute.

While out West, I had the opportunity to catch up with present, past and prospective families in locations including Narromine, Collie, Walgett, Wee Waa and Narrabri. It is always great to meet our families on their home turf and I appreciate their time, hospitality and generosity. I am looking forward to heading back to Dubbo for the Boarding Expo on 10 and 11 May. If you are in the area, it would be lovely to see you there. Pymble staff will be making their way around the State throughout the year, please click here for Pymble comes to you dates for 2024. 

International Woman’s Day – WomnKind Long Lunch

Our Boarders were thrilled to be celebrating International Women’s Day in style thanks to our dedicated Assistant Head of Goodlet House, Courtney Scott. Please read Year 10 Boarder, Sally’s recount of this special day.

Last Sunday, Ally, Mads, Alice and I attended the inaugural WomnKind International Women’s Day event, at the Palm House in the Botanical Gardens of Sydney. Although it was warm, the stunning venue and vista made it the perfect location to celebrate all things women empowerment. With guest speakers including Molly Croft, Kat Clark, Rose Jackson, and Ruby Riethmuller (the founder of Womnkind), we were sure to have a memorable experience. Each guest speaker contributed their perspective on what it is to be a teenager, tips and tricks to believing in yourself and having confidence, and that being yourself is the best way to change the world. Specific highlights for Ally and I included hearing Molly’s inspirational story of battling bone cancer as a teenager, chatting with Kat about all things Tiktok and career changes, and listening to Ruby’s story of self-development in the face of fear of rejection from her peers. And of course, the long lunch was divine!

Walking away from this event, we felt an overwhelming gratitude for these role models, who continue to inspire young women all over the globe to share their stories, because they’re all worth hearing. A special thank you must also be given to our Assistant Head of Goodlet House, Courtney Scott who secured these tickets for us, it was such a worthwhile experience thanks to her.

Loving Love It – Mrs White Deputy Director of Boarding

The Addams Family Production was the talk of the town last weekend.  Around half the Boarders took the opportunity to attend the production supporting their Boarding sisters Xyla and Joanna who were part of the cast. The Boarders said it was a 5-star production!  On Sunday we also headed to Watson’s Bay for an adventure with Lea.  The girls caught the train and a ferry and enjoyed all the sights along the way. 

This weekend we are getting ready for Easter with our annual Easter Treats workshop is on Friday afternoon with Paul from Du Plessy Praline and Otello Chocolates at West Pymble. This event is not to be missed! On Saturday evening, we have secured tickets to the Waratahs vs Blues at Allianz Stadium and then on Sunday we will be heading to Manly to go to the waterslide park.

Balmoral Swim for Cancer

Pymble Boarding will once again be taking part in the Balmoral Swim for Cancer.  It will be held on Sunday 24 March, and we will be entering teams into the School’s Relay section of the event, competing against the likes of Shore, Riverview, Ascham, Wenona and Queenwood. This is always a well-attended event for the Boarders and an opportunity to give back. We are aiming to raise $2000 this year. If you would like to sponsor our team, please click here.

View From My Window

Hi, my name is Sienna, I am a Year 9 student and I have been boarding since Year 7. I come from a small town called Wee Waa which is the cotton capital of Australia, in North West NSW. Wee Waa is approximately six and half hours from Sydney. I live in town with my two younger siblings, my brother Alex is six and my sister Florence is ten, as well as my mum (Bernadette) and dad (Nathan). My mum is a scientist and works with CSIRO and dad works in mining. 

The thing I love most about Wee Waa is the community and how everyone knows and helps each other. When I go home, I love spending time with my friends and family whether that be at home, fishing, going to the park or swimming. The thing my family does most often is go down to the river on the outskirts of town and spend a day fishing. Although everyone catches a couple fish my sister seems to reel in way more than the rest of us. I also enjoy wakeboarding, knee boarding and especially tubing out at the lake with everyone as well. We go camping out there often, we have done a few New Years and Christmas out there, and it’s quite fun playing around with my friends and family. Although the lake has been full the past last year it has begun to dry up because of lack of rain, which has happened before.  My favourite view is at my nan’s house as she gets the best sunsets there. Even though the town itself is quite small I wouldn’t choose anywhere else to live and have grown up.

Boarder of the Week

Year 12 Boarder, Vanessa has a generous spirit and is a supportive, and loyal friend, who is always willing to help anyone who asks for assistance. She is currently enrolled, as a Volunteer, in the Kids Club Leadership Training Program conducted by Rev Karen from the Gordon-Pymble Uniting Church and, after her training is complete, will be a volunteer leader for the program next term.

Vanessa will be working with Primary School kids from Years 3 to 6 every Friday afternoon organising games, food, and craft. She has also, of her own volition, commenced tutoring our Year 11s during the Evening Study Program, giving her time, and sharing her knowledge of Maths, Chemistry and Biology. She encourages her younger Boarding sisters to find enjoyment in these subjects she is so passionate about. We are grateful to Vanessa for sharing her many talents and smiles with all of us!

Save the Date

28 March         Boarders’ Travel Day for the Easter Long Weekend

1 April              Boarders return from the Easter Long Weekend from 5.00pm

9 April              End of Term Chapel and Dinner for Boarders

12 April            End of Term Travel Day

29 April            Boarders return and Eat Like a Boarder for parents

Extra-special must-save dates!

18 and 19 May      Regional Weekend on the Hawkesbury for Boarder parents only.

25 August       Father, Daughter event

20 September           Boarders and their Families event

21 September           Garden Party

3 November              Mother, Daughter Lunch (please note revised date)

Boarder Parent Group Meetings

7 May – 7.00pm Microsoft Teams meeting

20 September – 2.30pm onsite

24 October – 7.00pm Microsoft Teams meeting

Carolyn Burgess

Head of Boarding