From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
Upper School students enjoyed their first poké bowl lunch event this week, with 105 students choosing a nutritious, healthy meal option. This special lunch is part of our ‘Nourish and Flourish’ strategic intent, recognising that fuelling the body is a key step in supporting our teenage girls to reach their full potential – both inside and outside the classroom. Having a balanced and nutritious lunch is just one aspect of this commitment.
Eating healthy food matters at every age but is especially important for teenagers. As the body continues to grow, it is vital to eat high-quality foods that provide enough energy and nutrients. Just as importantly, we celebrate how food helps keep us connected and nourished as a community.
The Upper School Common Room provides a welcoming space for students to relax during break times. With access to a fridge, microwave, and sandwich presses, they can explore more balanced choices. However, instant noodles have become a popular choice that don’t fully meet their nutritional needs. We encourage students to enjoy instant noodles only occasionally, while focusing on healthier lunch options.
We are excited to have introduced a new initiative to support Year 9 embarking on the Vision Valley Residential Program. Erin Porter, the Outdoor Education Prefect, has been the catalyst for this meaningful opportunity for Year 11 and 12 Vision Valley alumni to step up and mentor Year 9. This peer-to-peer guidance not only fosters a stronger sense of community but also helps younger students feel more confident and prepared for the exciting challenges ahead.
Congratulations to Erin for all efforts in bringing this initiative to life. Erin has provided this overview of our first event last week:
Last Wednesday afternoon, the first Vision Valley mentoring session was held for the Term 2 Vision Valley girls. Year 11 and 12 students who have previously attended the program stepped into the role of mentors, offering guidance, reassurance, and valuable advice to the Year 9s preparing for their own experience next term.
Throughout the afternoon, the girls participated in a range of activities designed to ease nerves and build excitement. Icebreaker games helped them connect with their mentors, followed by group discussions where they shared their concerns and excitement about the program. In their smaller mentor groups, they set goals, asked questions, and gained insight from those who had already been through the experience. To finish off, the girls made bracelets in groups as a fun activity that allowed them to get to know their mentors and the other Year 9 girls attending better.
It was so great to see the Senior School girls forming connections with the Year 9s, helping to ease any worries and build excitement for the program ahead. I hope this session gave the Year 9s a sense of confidence and anticipation for their upcoming time at Vision Valley!
Pennant Hills Park has been hosting the annual Tildesley Tennis tournament this week. Congratulations to Layla, Saja, Emily, Aaliyah, Evelyn, Isabel, Ayeesha, Manulya, Thenulya, Ariel, Jiayi Sophia, Abigail, Isabelle, Mei Yu, Kathy and Emily who have represented the Pymble Upper School this week. We look forward to celebrating their achievements when the tournament concludes on Friday.
Save the date: Vision Valley Residential Program – Parent Workshop with Dr. Arne Rubinstein
Parents of all students attending the Term 2, 3, and 4 Residential Program are invited to an important event on Monday 28 April from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
During this interactive evening, Dr. Arne Rubinstein will explore how you can best prepare for, embrace, and support your daughter’s experience on the Residential Program. The session will share valuable insights and practical tips on parenting a young adult – rather than a child – and provide useful strategies to guide her through these pivotal years.
We will send out a notice on MyPymble asking you to RSVP.
Key Dates – Term 1
Friday 21 March – Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing (Writing)
Friday 28 March – Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing (Mathematics)
Tuesday 1 April – Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing (Reading)
Foundation Ball – Saturday 5 April 2025
Careers Expo – Monday 7 April (5.30 -7.30pm) in GYM
Thursday 10 (evening) and Friday 11 (day) April – Year 8-10 Learning Discussions
Friday 11 April – Boarder’s Travel Day
Friday 11 April – Pupil-Free Day
Key Dates – Term 2
Monday 28 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Tuesday 29 April – First Day of Term 2
From the Year 9 Parent Co-ordinators
Jenny and Ira look forward to welcoming as many parents as possible for our end of term 1 catch up. Please respond to the invite in Year 9 WhatsApp group.
For any enquiries, please feel free to contact us – Ira (0415 112 575) or Jenny 0422716808.
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School