From the Senior School
Welcome Back to Senior School
It has been wonderful to see the Senior School come alive again with the great buzz of excitement and anticipation that always marks the start of a new year. The atrium and classrooms have been filled with stories – of travels near and far, celebrations shared with family and friends and achievements both personal and collective. It is always a joy to witness the energy and enthusiasm that a fresh start brings.
A very special welcome to our new Year 11 students and those students and families who are starting at Pymble this year. Our new Year 11 students were looked after by their buddies on Orientation Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Year 11 girls who volunteered for this role and will support our new girls as they settle in.
As we adjust to the rhythm of the term, it is important to discuss with your daughters the priority to take care of themselves, particularly in the warmer weather. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep and starting each day with a healthy breakfast are all essential to maintaining focus and wellbeing. These small but important habits support not only our learning but also our ability to fully engage in the many opportunities this term will bring.
The start of a new term is also a time to set clear intentions. The way we begin often shapes the way we finish, so I encourage all students to approach their studies and commitments with purpose, curiosity and determination. By starting as you mean to end, you set the foundation for a term of growth, achievement, and meaningful progress
I look forward to all that this term holds and to seeing each student make the most of the opportunities ahead.
It’s 2025… Come Alive!
Year 12 students warmly welcomed their younger peers, proudly modelling this year’s motto – It’s 2025… Come Alive – on their T-shirts. Their enthusiasm, school spirit and kindness made for a special and memorable return to school, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. Congratulations to our Year 12 students for leading with such generosity and joy.
Year 12 Retreat – Vision Valley
Year 12 students enjoyed a wonderful Retreat Day at Vision Valley, taking the opportunity to reconnect with friends and appreciate some downtime before the busyness of the year ahead. The day provided a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with students trying their hand at outdoor activities such as archery and canoeing, stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing new experiences.
Fiji Service Tour
Over the Christmas break 23 students took part in a very special service tour to Fiji. They spent seven days working along the locals, providing support and assistance with some community projects. Many thanks to the teachers who accompanied the students: Mrs Karina Richter, Ms Kate Howie and Ms Lauren Brooks, and to the students, for the way in which they served and represented the College. I have included reflections from two of the students involved:
The Pymble Fiji Service Trip left me with memories that will last me a lifetime. It was incredibly rewarding to see my work (sometimes real sweat and tears) make a tangible difference. From planting pineapples all together within three hours, a task that would have taken a single farmer three weeks to complete, to building pathways to prepare for the monsoon season in local villages, everything we did provided me with a sense of purpose and a direct connection to the community’s needs.
Beyond the physical work, the experience broadened my understanding of Fiji, allowing me to see the ‘real’ Fiji, not just the version presented in hotels. Attending a local church service and spending time with the community gave me a deeper appreciation for their culture, values and way of life. I made strong and meaningful connections with so many local children, and I felt genuinely accepted and welcomed into their lives. It was heartwarming to realise that family doesn’t need to be defined by blood, but with the love and welcoming hearts of Fijians, family ties can spread between all – no matter race, gender, background or any other factor.
This trip challenged my outlook and extended my comfort zone in the best possible way. It taught me the importance of humility, connection and gratitude. I left feeling inspired by the warmth and generosity of the Fijian people, with a renewed understanding of community and the profound impact we can have when we work together. This service trip broadened my horizons as to what love and connection among communities can look like. I didn’t know it was humanly possible to love as much as those communities love each other.
Au domoni Viti! Sotatale!
Written by Juliette
The Pymble Fiji Service Trip was truly life-changing. Travelling without my parents, immersing myself in a new culture and having the opportunity to serve others challenged me and helped me grow in ways I never expected. It was an absolute honour to be among the few Pymble girls apart of this trip and to make a tangible difference in the lives of the incredible people we met.
One of my most memorable moments was the cooking session for a local women and children’s shelter. We not only prepared meals but also had the privilege of personally delivering them to the families. Following this, we spent the afternoon playing games and getting to know the children in the women’s shelter and this was by far where my favourite memories were made.
The gratitude, warmth and love all of the locals showed us completely shifted my perspective on what truly matters in life and how true happiness is found in connection, generosity and the simplest moments of shared joy. The countless hugs and embraces from children we had just met were overwhelming in the best way – it was a powerful reminder of how little it takes to make someone feel seen and loved.
Being part of this trip was an eye-opening experience. I learned not only about Fiji’s beautiful culture and language but also about the power of genuine connection and the impact of simple acts of kindness.
Leaving Fiji, and the children and families we built such strong bonds with, was the hardest part. But I left with a full heart, carrying the lessons they taught me: to love unconditionally, appreciate the little things, and always in every occasion go the extra mile to make someone feel valued without expecting anything in return.
Sota Tale Fiji!
Written by Jess
Year 12 Social
A reminder that the Year 12 Social will take place on Friday 28 February, and tickets must be booked by Wednesday 13 February. Click here to purchase your tickets if you haven’t already done so.
To allow students sufficient time to prepare and travel to the venue, an academic half-day has been arranged. Year 12 students will have permission to leave at 12.45pm. To ensure that all lessons run effectively up until this time, we kindly ask that no requests for earlier leave be made on this day. We appreciate your cooperation and support in this matter.
Year 11 Information Night – Wednesday 12 February
All Year 11 parents and carers are invited to attend our Year 11 Information Night, held in the Kate Mason Building – Senior School Centre. Please note this is for parents and carers only.
This is a wonderful opportunity for a casual catch up with your daughter’s Compass teacher and hear presentations from key staff in the Senior School, including the Head and Deputy Head of Senior School, Deputy Principal – Students, the Heads of Year, the Lead Psychologist, the Curriculum Department and the Futures Team. The evening begins with Compass catch ups at 5.30pm and the formal presentations from 6.00pm.
Please note that the formal presentation will be recorded for families who are unable to attend in person.
Key Dates – Term 1
Friday 7 February – Year 12 Paul Dillon seminar
Friday 7 February – Year 11 Wellbeing Connections Day 1 (more detailed information on MyPymble)
Monday 10 February – Year 11 Wellbeing Connections Day 2
Wednesday 12 February – Year 11 Information Evening
Thursday 13 February – Year 10 to 12 Swimming Carnival
Friday 21 February – PPA Icebreaker
Friday 28 February – Year 12 Social (academic half day)
6 March – Year 12 GPs In Schools
6 March – Year 12 Food for Thought
6 March – Year 11 Immersion Day
14 March – Year 11 Formal (academic half day)
10 April – End of Term 1
From the Year 11 Parent Co-ordinators
A big welcome to Year 11 girls and their families. We’d love to introduce ourselves as your Year 11 Parent Representatives: Julie Xie (Lucy’s mum) and Kate Hart (Zoë’s mum).
As your main contacts we’re here to help with any non-academic questions you might have about school life. To stay informed, join our parent community on Facebook, WhatsApp, and WeChat – all under the name PymbleLC Parents Class of 2026. These pages will include reminders, invitations to events and a space for questions. Please let us know if you would like to join.
Our first event this year is Icebreaker, which is a great way to meet other parents and enjoy a social night out on the beautiful Gloucester Lawn. We look forward to meeting you there.
Julie (0404 197 139)
Kate (0438 987 825)
From the Year 12 Parent Co-ordinators
A big welcome back to Year 12 parents! We’re looking forward to seeing all Year 12 parents at the 2025 Icebreaker on Friday 21 February. It’s the last one for us, so let’s go out with a bang!
Also, if you are looking to join our Year 12 parent groups, please contact Jemma on 0426868643.
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School