From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
Thank you to all of you who donated nappies over the last few weeks. I am so proud of the kindness within our community. Last weekend a busy group of Junior School girls sorted, counted and packed 17,991 nappies which are now on their way to support families who are finding life challenging across the greater Sydney area. The Nappy Collective were thrilled with the amount of donations given by our community and the spirit in which our girls worked to support this critical community service.
A shout out to our intrepid Year 4 mums and daughters who braved the elements to spend the weekend at Vision Valley. Rain didn’t stop play and these warrior women and girls had a wonderful time connecting with nature and one another. I am sure many special memories were created.
This week we hosted the Children’s Kindness Convention which has grown from a small idea to spread the power of kindness through our local schools’ community. I am particularly proud that a school from Adelaide flew up for the convention and we hosted them at Vision Valley and shared a wonderful breakfast with them on the morning of the convention. They will now be taking our Kindness Convention model back to South Australia to launch it there across their school community. #WatchUsChangeTheWorld.
Transport Survey for Grey House Precinct
Construction of Grey House Precinct is well underway and we are looking forward to the purpose-built educational and co-curricular spaces it will offer our students.
Due to the significance of this development, the College is required to conduct a transport survey of all Pymble students and staff.
This survey will be used to develop Pymble’s Green Travel Plan which will allow us to manage traffic flow more effectively and accurately determine parking requirements within the College. It will also help us to promote more sustainable and efficient travel choices for students, staff and visitors to the College whist recognising the unique context of travel planning for Pymble families.
Surveys have been sent to all Junior School parents via MyPymble to complete on behalf of their daughter/s. Secondary students will complete the survey themselves and time has been set aside during Compass to do this.
The survey will take five minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential. Surveys must be completed by Friday 21 June. If you have any questions, please contact Community Engagement at communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Thank you for your support of Pymble’s Master Plan.
A message from Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
Year 3 LEGO Masters
Our Year 3 Lego Masters very proudly came to Hedgehog House to display their LEGO construction of the Grey House Precinct. Each class was given the challenge using LEGO bricks to construct different areas including their new Year 5 classrooms, a STEM lab, OSHC and dance studios, using architectural blueprints. Sharing their experiences the girls reflected on the skills they used when building these models including creativity, perseverance, accuracy, collaboration and problem solving.
They also shared that they all needed to be mathematicians, engineers and designers when interpreting the blueprints and constructing their models, to ensure it accurately reflected the blueprint. Year 3 were very excited to know that they will be the first Pymble girls to learn in this space and provided suggestions on what they would like to see in classrooms, this included: areas for robotics (they were thrilled to hear that there was a STEM lab they would be using in their learning); bookcases filled with books for them to read; and plants in all areas to create a calm learning environment.
We also talked about how in Term 1 Year 3 had learnt about how communities change, and the girls were informed that their Lego Masters will be recorded for their future selves when in Grey House Precinct. A very big thank you to the Year 3 Compass teachers and Mr Stephen Robinson, a LEGO Master himself, for guiding the girls during the construction phase.
World Ocean Day
Last week a group of students from Year 4 came together with some Year 9 Marine and Aquaculture students in the Senior School science labs to discuss the importance of protecting our oceans leading up to World Ocean Day on Friday 31 May. In groups they discussed reducing pollution, ways we can protect endangered marine life and most importantly how we can take action. The girls completed engaging activities based upon these themes.
ICAS
A link has been sent to Year 3 to 6 families to enrol their daughter(s) in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) which will be held in Term 3. These assessments will include Writing, English, Mathematics, Spelling and Science.
Not all schools enter these competitions, and some schools enter only their high achieving students. This is a voluntary competition and will be held before school. Registration closes on Monday 22 July.
Micro Mathematician – Maths Holiday Workshop for Year 5 and Year 6
University of Melbourne, School of Mathematics and Statistics run a virtual and in person holiday program “Micro Mathematician”. Please click here for more information.
Wellbeing Weekly from Kate Giles- Head of Wellbeing K-6
Communicating with your daughter
A common challenge that parents share is around how to communicate with their daughter to find out about her day at school. Quite often children (my own included) report their day was “fine” or “good” when asked how school was, providing no detail at all. Some things that can be more effective to get a little more information about your daughter’s day include:
- Setting aside time each day to chat about school. This could be in the car on the way home, at the dinner table or immediately before bed, but having time when you can actively listen is important.
- Ask open ended questions (and ask why). Some questions that can be helpful to gain deeper information can include:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What was something that challenged you today?
- What made you smile at school today?
- What is something that made you feel proud at school today?
- What is something interesting you learned today?
- Be supportive and encouraging. Praise their hard work and provide reassurance when they are facing difficulties.
- Problem solve any concerns together. Guide your daughter with solutions and goal setting.
- Share your day. It is great to model communicating your feelings and thoughts with your daughter too.
Creating an environment where your daughter feels comfortable to share her thoughts and feelings is important to help you understand her experiences better, but also provides her with the reassurance that you are there to listen and provide unconditional support.
ySafe Online Parent Presentation – Wednesday 12 June 6.00pm
An online session for parents will be held on Wednesday 12 June at 6.00pm to 7.00pm. This session will cover important information such as online safety, social media, gaming, screen time recommendations and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber safe home for children of all ages. The session will also include a Q&A session.
A message from Penny Charalambous – Junior School House Coordinator
A reminder that there is an exciting competition offered to Junior School girls in Years 3-6 to name the crane!
Students are invited to participate by creating a postcard that illustrates how kindness aligns with our College values. They are encouraged to express their thoughts in words and to complement their explanation with a drawing illustrating the importance of kindness in our daily lives.
Each student has been provided with a postcard template for them to use. Completed postcards are due by Friday Week 7 at 8.00am to their Compass teacher.
The winner of the competition will be announced during the Years 3 to 6 Assembly on Monday of Week 8 and will have the privilege of having the luffing crane named after their house, raising morale and pride for the whole house. They will also receive an individual prize.
A message from Mr Stephen Robinson – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
STEAM Festival – Resource collection
We are still seeking donations of:
- Newspapers
- Paper towel rolls (please no toilet paper rolls)
- Paper straws
- Red and blue cellophane
- Paper plates
Please drop donations to the boxes located inside Hedgehog House.
A message from Kurt Schweinberger, Head of Creative and Performing Arts K-6
Please join us for a heartwarming showcase of unique stories through dance and singing at the Year 5 Showcase: Everyone Has a Story—What do you call your Grandma?
At the heart of the showcase is the recognition that each person has a story worth sharing. Whether it’s the endearing nickname for their grandma, the cherished memories of family gatherings, or the tales of resilience and love passed down through generations, everyone has a story that deserves to be heard and celebrated.
Through music, stories and dance, Year 5 students will honour the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up the College community and beyond. These stories will inspire and remind people of the beauty of our shared humanity and diverse backgrounds.
We look forward to seeing you at the Year 5 Showcase, where every story is valued, and each voice is heard.
Performance dates: Wednesday 19 June, commencing at 1.30pm
Venue: Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts
Tickets: This is a free event, no ticket is needed.
Junior School Digital News
Term 2 2024 Key Dates – Week 5 and 6
Tomorrow Kindergarten Nature Play (girls to wear PE uniform and bring gumboots and raincoats)
Saturday 8 June No IPSHA Saturday Sport
Monday 10 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday – No school
Tuesday 11 June Hindson Chamber Strings excursion P3-6
Wednesday 12 June ySafe Year 3(P2), 5(P3) and Parents (Online) 6.30pm
Wednesday 12 June Junior Capella Choir Excursion
Thursday 13 June ySafe Year 1, 2, 4 and 6
Friday 14 June House time 11.45am-12.45pm (No K-2 assembly)
Friday 14 June Year 2 Nature Play 1.00pm-2.00pm (girls to wear PE uniform and bring gumboots and raincoats)
Friday 14 June IPSHA Debating (St Andrews)
Saturday 15 June IPSHA Saturday Sport
Sunday 16 June Junior Eisteddfod Team Extreme at Sydney Opera House
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
- Year 4 Mother and Daughter Camp – Vision Valley
Last weekend, 40 of our Year 4 mums and their daughters braved the extremely wet weather for an overnight camp at Vision Valley. The rain did nothing to dampen our spirits, nor stop us from experiencing nearly all that Vision Valley has to offer.
Mums and their daughters completed activities including archery, crate stacking, vertical high rope climbs, an early morning bush walk and an outdoor team challenge course – much of those in the pouring rain. Although disappointed we couldn’t have a campfire and marshmallows as planned, we did enjoy a lively round of trivia and were entertained by group challenges between rounds.
The camp aimed to help our girls feel a greater sense of connection with their families and each other, and these activities were chosen to promote teamwork, trust, resilience and communication. There was so much support and encouragement as we all pushed outside our comfort zones, with lots of laughter as we shared our experiences over meals together.
Thank you to the fabulous Vision Valley staff for sharing this wonderful experience with us. We’ll treasure the memories we made.
- PPA Trivia Night – Saturday 22 June
Thank you to our parents who have registered for the upcoming Trivia Night, which will be held at a new venue this year – Miramare Gardens at Terrey Hills. We’ve had a great response from our Junior School community, with tables now registered for Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
There are still some spaces available on these tables so if you would like assistance in joining a table, please reach out to your parent Year Coordinators, or Edwina Burns on edwina@deburns.com who is the Junior School convenor of this event.
If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to show support, raffle tickets are available for advance purchase via the ticket link below.
Fantastic prizes will be won and auctioned throughout the night and proceeds will go towards the Teacher and Staff Development Program and the Thank You Lunch on World Teachers’ Day.
Please note this is a parent only event. Tickets are still available for purchase here. Please RSVP by Wednesday 12 June.
Other Upcoming Events
- Year 3 Play Date at the Park – Sunday 9 June
Come along for a fun afternoon at Bicentennial Park, West Pymble. Catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones too! The whole family is welcome to join.
- Year 1 Mum’s Night Out – Thursday 20 June
Please join our Year 1 Mum’s Night Out on Thursday 20 June from 6.30pm at the Governor Hotel. Please book through the QR code on the flyer.
Please contact us with any questions at pymblelcjspg@gmail.com
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School