From the Senior School

From the Senior School

As we bid farewell to the chilly winter break, we extend a warm welcome back to all our Senior School students. We hope that the holidays were restful and rejuvenating, providing the perfect opportunity to recharge for the busy term ahead. Congratulations to all Year 12 students who attended the study camp during the break. The teachers in attendance were very proud of the productive and collaborative approach, ensuring that some great work was completed. Special thanks to Mrs Jenny Olsen, Mrs Natasha Stanfield and the teachers who attended for their leadership and contribution to the camp.

Returning to school after a break can often feel like a significant adjustment. For our teenagers, establishing a strong routine is crucial, particularly as both Year groups prepare for their upcoming examinations. A well-structured routine helps to manage time effectively, reduce stress, and ensure a balanced approach to study and leisure.

To assist our students in creating these routines, we recommend:

  • Consistent Sleep Schedule: Encourage your children to maintain regular bedtimes and wake-up times. Adequate sleep is vital for concentration, memory, and overall well-being.
  • Dedicated Study Time: Setting aside specific times each day for study can help students stay on top of their workload and avoid last-minute cramming. This can include revision, completing assignments, and reviewing notes.
  • Breaks and Relaxation: It’s important for students to take short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Activities like exercise, hobbies, or simply relaxing can help refresh their minds.
  • Healthy Eating Habits: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports cognitive function and energy levels. Encourage students to make healthy food choices throughout the day.
  • Organisation and Planning: Using planners or digital calendars can help students keep track of deadlines, exams, and other commitments. This helps in prioritising tasks and managing time effectively.

As we navigate this term together, let’s support our students in establishing routines that foster both academic success and personal well-being. Your daughter’s teachers are here to provide guidance and support each step of the way.

Year 11 Pymble – Knox Social Event

Pymble Ladies’ College has collaborated with Knox Grammar School to organise a school-supervised social event for Pymble’s Year 11 students on 15 October at Hijinx Hotel in Alexandria. This event offers a safe and structured environment for students to socialise and celebrate together. This event is exclusively for Year 11 students from Knox Grammar School and Pymble.

The dress code is appropriate casual clothing, or they can wear sensible fancy dress (as part of a team’s theme) that allows them to participate in activities safely. Enclosed shoes are required. Tickets are priced at $85. All information is available on the MyPymble parent portal.

The ticket price includes transport to and from the venue, activity costs, food, and drinks. Students will be picked up from their respective schools at 4.00pm and taken to the venue, where they will work in mixed teams and engage in various activities such as challenge rooms, laser tag, bowling, and VR experiences. Students will be collected at 8.00pm and are expected to arrive back at Pymble by approximately 8.45pm. Pymble and Knox staff will accompany the students throughout the event.

Please note: Tickets must be purchased by Monday 12 August. Click here to purchase tickets.

Congratulations to Kiera!

Congratulations to Kiera Mironova (Year 11) who was a member of the Australian under 16 Water Polo team who won Bronze at the Under 16 World Water Polo Championships in Manisa, Turkey. We are all so proud of you!

Days for Girls

This term, we will continue our Days for Girls sessions each Wednesday lunchtime in the Senior School. Days for Girls works to eliminate the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation so that women and girls have improved health, education and livelihoods. To date, the organisation has reached over 3 million women and girls with life-changing menstrual health solutions. More information can be found at https://www.daysforgirls.org/

MMG Wellbeing Survey

As part of our continuous improvement process, we wish to provide opportunities for students to provide research informed feedback relating to their experiences at Pymble. Students in Years 11 and 12 will complete this survey this Friday during MBS sessions.

The research is being conducted by MMG Education, a specialist education consultancy that works with schools in the areas of school feedback and parent, student, staff and alumni satisfaction.

Please note that the questionnaire is confidential. All responses will be treated in strict confidence and no student will be identified to the College. However, to fulfil our commitment to student safety, if a student’s response suggests there may be a concern for their wellbeing, MMG will contact Deputy Principal – Students, Mr Justin Raymond so that appropriate support can be provided.

We look forward very much to the valuable contribution students will make to this most important project by completing their questionnaire.

Term 3 Key Dates

2 August – Year 12 Study Day

2 August – TASFest

5 August – 16 August – Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations

2 September– 13 September – Year 11 Yearly Examinations

16 September – Year 12 GPs In Schools

16 September – Year 11 and Year 12 Y-Safe presentations

21 September – Garden Party

25 September – Year 12 Picnic Day at Clontarf

26 September – Year 12 Graduation Assembly (Students and staff in attendance)

27 September – Year 12 Speech Day

27 September – Year 12 Honouring Ceremony

27 September – Year 12 Chapel Service

27 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

27 September – Term 3 ends

Please note: Further information for Year 12 Graduation Events will be made available in the coming week.

Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School