From the Middle School
Greetings from Vision Valley where we are currently hosting half of our Year 7 cohort for their four-day Outdoor Education program. So far, the girls have been rotating through a number of activities: high ropes, leap of faith, team-building games, hiking and canoeing to name a few.
Last night I had the pleasure of spending the night camping down at Crosslands with the Ingleholme and Thomas girls. We shared a meal expertly cooked by the students, followed by a debrief in our Compass group circles. Each student was invited to commit to an individual goal they were keen to work toward over the next few days. Their investment in the program was so impressive.
I have just asked the girls staying in Stringybark how they are feeling at this point in the program and have shared it below.
Claire Ni: ”I’m feeling really relaxed now that I have successfully completed the seven-kilometre hike.”
Una Kim: “The camp is awesome. I like the exercise and the beautiful cabins.”
Emma Lloyd: “I really enjoyed the canoeing I got to work with my friends.”
Bella Stack: ”I liked putting up the tent because it was a fun challenge.”
Stella Pieterse: ”I liked being on the water and seeing all the baby jellyfish.”
Madison Aikman: ”Making the food by ourselves on the outdoor stove was fun and delicious.”
Annabel Makeham: “I enjoyed getting closer with my Compass group.”
Lillie Oldfield: “It was great being able to stop on the sandbanks and play when we were canoeing down the river.”
Rose Bennett: ”I appreciated spending lots of time with my friends.”
Ellie Cao: “I liked having the opportunity to meet new people and making special bonds.”
Chloe Hao: “The food was very tasty, and I enjoyed trying new activities.”
Year 7 Leadership applications closed on Tuesday. We have been inundated with students who are keen to step up to a variety of responsibilities. The team is currently reading through the applications to short list students for interview. Prior to the closing date, our Year 12 Middle School Liaison Prefects ran two workshops to upskill the girls in writing applications and honing their interview skills. This was a wonderful opportunity that consolidated confidence and built community.
Applications for the Year 8 National Exchange program have also now closed. Over 50 students have applied for a place at one of our exchange partner schools:
- MLC Perth
- Strathcona Girls Grammar, Melbourne
- Pulteney Grammar, Adelaide
- Clayfield College, Brisbane
- Saint Michael’s Collegiate, Tasmania
On Friday this week Year 8 will be heading out to Homebush to support their Pymble sisters at the IGSA Carnival. During Gloucester Gatherings this week Middle School students have been busy painting banners and posters capturing their Pymble Pride. Good luck to all the competitors for their events.
From the Middle School Parent Groups
Year 7
Dear Parents and Carers
Our next Year 7 event will be a “ladies’ night out” for our mums and carers to meet up over dinner and drinks. We will follow this up with an equivalent guys’ night out (organised by a dad!).
We are currently looking at either Friday 5th April (before the end of Term 1) and Friday 10th May (Term 2). We will include a poll within our WhatsApp group to see which date suits the majority.
In terms of a venue, local options like The Greengate Hotel or The Governor Hotel usually work well as they are cost-effective and we can individually order our dinner and drinks at the bar (not requiring prepayment for a large group). However, please let us know if you know of any other good venues.
Hope most of our mums can make it, it should be a wonderful night catching up with everyone!
Kind regards
Stephanie, Leigh and Briar
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School