From the Boarding School
Our 2025 Head Boarders, Celeste and Sophie, are incredible young women and outstanding leaders in our community. One of their nominated areas of focus for 2025 is service and the first of their plans came to fruition last Friday with the very first Boarders Get Giving.
On this afternoon, our Boarders Get Baking team turned their hands to preparing delicious meals for 70 people in need. It was great to see Boarders from across the year groups working so cooperatively to benefit visitors to The Dish in Hornsby. Thank you to Celeste and Sophie for their vision and leadership, and to Mrs Kathryn Wiedemann for her support of logistics.
Head of the River
Congratulations to all the Pymble crews who represented us so wonderfully at the Head of the River on Saturday. As I wrote last week, those of you who have been involved in rowing before will appreciate what huge commitment this sport requires. I am in awe of the dedication, determination and resilience these girls have demonstrated over many long months. They certainly did not let us down and I once again congratulate the following girls on an outstanding season of rowing.
Year 8: Zahra Craig, Daysie Leahy, Camilla Metcalfe, Skye Mitchell, Phoebe Toynton.
Year 9: Alexandra Ritchie, Cleo McLauglin, Gemma Thiel, Madeleine Gaden, Margaux Marcet, Poppy Fox Ashwin, Sasha Paris, Siri Taubenschlag, Stella Walsh.
Year 10: Erin O’Kane, Edwina Harrington, Leander McLauglin, Phoebe Pockley, Allegra Taubenschlag.
Year 11: Summer Phillips, Rosie Eggins, Emma Guo, Claudia Hodder.
Year 12: Charlotte Craig, Celeste McDermott, Madison Hodgetts, Evie Leahy, Jemma Hodder.
I hope you enjoy some snaps of the day below.
Dinner with Dr H and Mr Bell
A home-cooked meal at the home of Dr Hadwen and Mr Bell is always a highlight for our Boarders. Year 7 were the first to enjoy this special treat and as you will read from Alexis’ (Lexie’s) recount, a fun time was had by all.
On Saturday night, Year 7 visited Dr Hadwen and Mr Bell’s house. Mr Bell prepared a delicious spaghetti bolognese for dinner, and Dr Hadwen treated us to a fantastic homemade chocolate fudge dessert!
We spent some time reintroducing ourselves, sharing a little about where we lived, what activities we were involved in and something unique that others might not know about us. After dinner, Dr Hadwen let us go through her entire shoe collection and try on all of her high heels. She had so many pairs of shoes, and we even helped choose which ones she would wear for assembly on Tuesday, and she gave us a shoutout, which I’m sure we all enjoyed.
One of the highlights for me was when Dr Hadwen shared a story about her own experience at boarding school. She mentioned that she didn’t want us to spend seven years living together, becoming friends, and making memories, only to not want to run into some of our Boarding sisters later in life, or even avoid them. She encouraged us to always be kind to one another, and to lighten the mood she had everyone recall a memory of when we felt included by one of our Boarding sisters. I was happy to hear that everyone shared something.
Dr Hadwen also has two adorable dogs, one named Chase and another cute dog named Molli. Overall, I think everyone had a wonderful time, and I’m really grateful to have been invited. It was such a special experience.
International Women’s Day
It was another big week for Head Boarder Celeste, who represented Pymble at the International Women’s Day Luncheon last Friday. I hope you enjoy reading Celeste’s reflection of the day:
On Friday, I was lucky enough to attend the International Women’s Day Luncheon at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. I had the opportunity to connect with some of the remarkable women working on the upcoming Grey House Precinct for our school, like-minded peers and chatting to the mastermind Mrs Maksimovic, Head of Futures. Over lunch, we discussed everything from career opportunities to the evolving role of women in the workforce.
We heard from many people that day, who spoke about advancing gender equality across Australia. Among them were the Governor General, Her Excellency the Hon Ms Sam Mostyn AC, comedian Celeste Barber, UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke, Australian Presenter Mel McLaughlin and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson (joining online). Led by this year’s IWD theme of ‘Marching Forward’, it was a pleasure to listen to these women speak so determinedly and confidently about advancing gender equality across Australia, and the world.
What struck me was how these women carried themselves, with the perfect balance of confidence and humility. Listening to them speak so passionately about the persistence of gender inequality not only opened my eyes to the pervasive discrimination in the workforce, but opened my eyes to a more feminist worldview and hope for a more equitable future.
I am grateful to the Futures Department for generously giving me this opportunity to attend the function and sincerely hope that other girls will have similar opportunities. I found it inspiring to be surrounded by so many articulate and confident leaders and can only hope to follow in their footsteps one day.
Pymble comes to you
It’s not too late to join us in Scone on Friday 21 March. We would love to see you at our gathering. The invitation can be accessed by clicking here.
Live It, Love It, Learn It – Ms Theresa Mimmo, Deputy Director of Boarding
The weekend started with Abbotsleigh boarders visiting Pymble for an International Women’s Day celebration of dinner and a movie back at the houses. The dessert bar was very popular and well received by our visitors. All Boarders loved the visit and there were several contact details being shared at the end of the night.
The Waratahs had another visit from our Boarders on Saturday night. Two of our Boarders managed to be seen on TV by Pymble staff, which they loved. On Sunday, the Giants did not disappoint by winning their AFL game out at Sydney Olympic Park. The girls were very loud with their cheers and enjoyed the game, particularly the dancing after goals were scored.
A View From My Window
Hi everyone! I am Lisa, a Year 12 student who has been boarding at Pymble since Year 9. I’m from Hong Kong, a city that never sleeps, filled with dazzling skyscrapers, busy streets and a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
I live in Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island, and from my window, I see a beautiful view of lush green mountains with the peak tram wavering through the trees, a quiet yet familiar sight. My room faces east, so the sunlight is always pouring in – sometimes too much when I’m studying, but it keeps my space bright and lively.
In the afternoons, my mum and I enjoy baking together, always experimenting with new recipes. Whether it’s a rich red velvet cake, a classic chocolate cake, or a creamy cheesecake, we enjoy every step of the process – especially the tasting! Meanwhile, my dad and my brothers, Jayson and Justin, often set off on hikes up the Peak.
But what I love most about Hong Kong is its busy lifestyle. The city is small but packed with people, towering buildings, and endless shopping malls that close at 10.00pm. No matter where you go, you’re always surrounded by the iconic Hong Kong energy – fast paced, exciting, busy and always moving.
The night life in Hong Kong is enthusiastic and spirited. The streets glow with bright neon lights, and shops, restaurants and markets throughout the night keep the city alive. The smell of street food never fails to make me hungry – curry fish balls, dim sum, grilled skewer and egg wafers.
The alluring views and smells from back home are wonders in themselves, yet my favourite part of returning to Hong Kong has to be seeing my friends and family again. And despite my fondness of my home, I always look forward to returning to boarding at Pymble. Seeing familiar faces, catching up with friends and staff, and settling back into school – something I cherish every time.
Boarder of the Week
Thank you to our Head of Marden House, Mrs Beth Ayling, who gives us a good snapshot of our very well deserving Boarder of the Week, Xyla.
This week’s Boarder of the Week goes to the wonderful Xyla (Year 10). Xyla joined us in Marden House in Year 8 from her home in Moss Vale on the NSW South Coast. Over the years, Xyla has shown that she is a calm and considerate Boarding sister.
She is self-sufficient and gets herself from A to B without fuss. Her room is always kept impeccably tidy, and she takes pride in her uniform. Most recently, Xyla has demonstrated her strength and adaptability as she has navigated life with a broken arm.
With limited ability to do all the things we take for granted on daily basis, Xyla has taken it all in her stride. She has demonstrated incredible resilience, never uttering a complaint, as well as a high level of daily gratitude for those who are assisting her.
Xyla has epitomised our College values of ‘Respect’ and ‘Courage’ and we couldn’t be more proud.
Save the Date
Friday 14 March – Year 11 Formal
Friday 21 March – Pymble in Scone
Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March – Year 12 Boarder and Day Girl Parents’ regional weekend
Saturday 8 April – Boarders’ End of Term Chapel Service and Dinner
Monday 10 April – Face-to-Face Learning Discussions for Boarding Families
Tuesday 11 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Monday 28 April – Boarders return from 2.00pm
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding