From the Senior School
A Season of Excellence and Celebration
As we embrace the mid-year buzz, our Senior School is alive with the spirit of achievement and festivity. From academic endeavours to vibrant celebrations, our community is thriving on all fronts.
HSC Trial Examinations: A Pathway to Success
The commencement of the HSC Trial Examinations marks a significant milestone for our Year 12 students. With determination and dedication, they have stepped into this next phase of their academic journey. These exams are not merely tests but will help them pinpoint areas for further revision and practise. The focus and resilience exhibited by our students are commendable, and we are confident that their hard work will pave the way for very strong results. As a community, we stand behind them, offering our support and encouragement every step of the way.
The Year 12 students had a special surprise waiting for them when they emerged from their first English paper on Monday: handmade cupcakes from Dr Hadwen. These were met with huge smiles and were a welcome snack after putting their first paper behind them.
Green and Gold Day: A Celebration of Olympic Spirit
Green and Gold Day was a resounding success, bringing the Olympic spirit to our school with gusto. The entire school community donned the vibrant colours of green and gold, transforming our campus into a sea of national pride. The excitement was palpable as students and staff participated in various activities, celebrating teamwork, perseverance and the joy of participation. The energy and enthusiasm displayed were truly infectious, reflecting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. It was a day that not only celebrated athletic prowess but also the unity and camaraderie that define our school spirit.
TASFest: Showcasing Exceptional Talent
The annual TASFest, dedicated to celebrating the creative and technical achievements of our Design and Technology students, was a showcase of exceptional talent and innovation. The projects on display were nothing short of remarkable, highlighting the ingenuity and hard work of our students across all areas of Technology and Design.
From intricate architectural models to cutting-edge technology prototypes to glamorous garments and delicious food and drink, the festival was a testament to the diverse skills and creativity nurtured within our school. Parents, staff and students alike were captivated by the ingenuity and dedication evident in each project, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
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 the 15th of 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 8:00 pm and are expected to arrive back at Pymble by approximately 8:45 pm. Pymble and Knox staff will accompany the students throughout the event.
Please note: Tickets must be purchased by Monday, 12th August.
Winter Shoe and Sock Drive
We are very excited to announce that on Monday 19 August in Week 5 this term, Pymble will be running a Winter Shoe and Sock Drive, which will include all types of shoes (except for open toe shoes such as high heels and thongs/sandals). We are beyond grateful for all the Pymble families who participated in our last drive.
Pymble donated an incredible total of almost 600 pairs of shoes, which is the largest single donation the NFP charity “Shoes for Planet Earth” had ever received. Your generous donations made an enormous impact to the community. The winter footwear and socks we collect will be distributed across Australia and the globe, to homeless shelters, youth and female crisis centres, indigenous community sporting groups, orphanages, churches, and disaster-affected communities.
The importance of warm footwear during the winter months cannot be overstated. Our donations will reach those who are often forgotten or overlooked. If each Pymble family contributes one pair of shoes or socks, together we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those of in need. We ask that all donated shoes and socks are in good condition – no holes, with sturdy soles, and cleaned if necessary.
Please make sure all shoes are tied together in matching pairs. Please bring your donations to our collection points, where we will have clear signage to guide you. A reminder that this will take place on Monday 19 of August in Week 5. And for one individual there will be a very exciting prize of a special $50 gift voucher for Archie’s Café!
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Written by Anais Rodwell-Burnicle (Year 11)
McDonald’s Incursion – Year 11 and 12 Business Studies
A representative from McDonald’s recently spoke to our Year 11 and Year 12 Business Studies students about their marketing campaigns, financial forecasts, and recruitment process. The session provided invaluable insights into real-world business operations.
The representative discussed innovative marketing strategies, detailed financial forecasting methods, and effective recruitment techniques. This firsthand knowledge will help students enhance their understanding of business concepts and apply them in their HSC responses.
The talk emphasised practical applications of theoretical knowledge, giving students a competitive edge in their studies and future careers in business.
Economics Olympiad – Year 11 and 12 Economics
A select few of our Year 11 and 12 Economics students achieved top honours in the Australian Economics Olympiad, showcasing their exceptional understanding of economic principles and analytical skills. Competing against peers nationwide, they excelled in rigorous assessments that tested their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic theory.
These outstanding results reflect their dedication, hard work, and the high-quality education provided by our school. Participation in this prestigious competition not only highlights their academic prowess but also prepares them for future studies and careers in economics.
We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and their representation of our school on a national level. Distinction were awarded to: Caitlin Pridmore and Lily Huang; Honourable Mentions were awarded to; Amber Conlon, Lucy Chen and Daniela Cantafio.
From the Year 11 and 12 Parent Group
Garden Party Planning
The PPA is busy planning for Garden Party on 21 September and would really appreciate your support. Firstly, we will be running the Second-Hand Uniform Stall again this year. Collection of used uniform items will begin in early September (details will follow soon). Could we please ask that over the next couple of weeks you prepare any uniform items you have available for donation (especially pertinent for Year 12 who are about to wear their winter uniforms for the last time this term).
In addition, we would love it if you can grab your friends and volunteer for an hour on one of our two stalls, the Second-Hand Uniform Stall or the PPA Barbecue stall. Please click on the links below. Thank you!
Click here to volunteer at the Second-Hand Uniform Stall.
Click here to volunteer at the PPA Barbecue Stall.
Term 3 Key Dates
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
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School