From the Boarding School
It has been another big week in Boarding as we squeeze every last drop out of the term. My deep thanks goes to our Boarders who embrace every opportunity and to our staff who make these opportunities possible.
Goodbye to our much-loved Rev
On Tuesday night we said a sad farewell to our wonderful Rev Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres. There are so many things we are going to miss about this wonderful man – his kind words, animated conversations and beautiful Chapel services just to name a few. From a personal perspective, I have valued Rev’s inclusivity and true belief in all of us. I thank him deeply for the care and kindness he has shown our Boarding family. As you will read from Phoebe’s letter to Rev, he will be missed.
Dear Rev Lorenzo
From all of the Boarders, thank you so much for everything that you have done for us during your time here.
I have known Rev Lorenzo since 2019, and from the moment I met you, you made me feel welcomed. You are so friendly and approachable, and I know that Boarding and Day school won’t be the same without you.
Whenever I pass you during the school day, you make sure to say hello and ask how I am. You are always interested in what we have to tell you and are happy to listen to us. You support everyone no matter who they are, or where they come from, or what they have to say and always encourage us to be true to ourselves.
You make Chapel interesting and relevant for girls our age, all whilst making us laugh with your jokes. I can speak for everyone when I say that we have all had major takeaways from every reflection that you have done.
I know you are moving into a new chapter in your life, and I and the rest of the Boarders wish you the best of luck for your future. You have helped countless people in ways that you can’t even imagine. We are so grateful for the time and energy you have put into the chapel services,and looking after us. Balmain Uniting Church are lucky to have you.
Once again, thank you for everything.
Phoebe Bucknell (Year 10)
Getting ready to welcome the youngest member of our Boarding family
Our wonderful Head of Year 10 Boarding, Holly Burke heads off on maternity leave this Friday. We thank Holly for her collegiality, dedication to the Boarders and determination to make sure every girl feels cared for and appreciated. Nan’s speech perfectly captures how we all feel about Holly.
Dear Holly
On behalf of everyone at Boarding, thank you for everything that you’ve done for us we’re going to miss you so much!
You make Boarding a happy and loving place and you go out of your way to make us all feel valued. I promise you; it doesn’t go unnoticed. Whether I’ve had a bad day at school, or I’m nervous about a test, I know I can always find you at the front door with a hot chocolate and a hug. And it’s not just me, the amount of effort you put into getting to know each and every one of us and making sure that you congratulate us for every achievement, is truly commendable. Thank you for listening to us and caring about our ideas no matter how crazy they are, and always finding a way to make us laugh.
I still can’t believe that you’re going to be away for 12 long months, you have to promise to visit (make sure to bring Scout) and the new baby. Just know when you get back, you’ll have a house full of babysitters waiting. Your daughter is so lucky to have you as a mum, and I’m sure the Boarders will remind her of that. She’s going to have a big boarding family to grow up with, and we all can’t wait to meet her.
Thanks again Holly, we’ll miss you.
Nandika Singh (Year 10 Boarder)
Our Term 1 ‘Brooksie’ Recipient
The Margaret Brooke, “Brooksie”, is awarded to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman. These Boarders consistently uphold and demonstrate the College values and actively contribute to the Boarding community while demonstrating dedication to her studies. A Brooksie recipient consistently displays ‘Pymble Pride’ including wearing appropriate school uniform, being punctual and maintaining a tidy room.
Nandika Singh is our well-deserving Term 1 recipient. Nandika is an absolute delight to have in Boarding – calm, kind, easy-going, mature, independent and humble. She is a universally loved member of our Boarding family, and respected by staff and Boarders for her integrity and courage. Nan never fails to say a cheery hello, is a consistently caring friend, who shows immense dedication to both her studies and sport. This is reflected in her recent selection for the Oxford Royale Academy, Winter School program where she holds the record as the youngest participant to be selected in the 16 to 18-year-old category, despite her only being 15! Nan is a fabulous ‘Big Sister’ to Selina, regularly checking in on her younger charge and taking her on outings and ensuring she feels at home at Pymble. She is intelligent and organised, always punctual, and keeps the most immaculate room. Congratulations, Nan, we are so proud of you!
Our Term 1 Pink Ladies
Thank you to all of our day school friends and families that make our time in Boarding easier, happier and much more connected. You help us out with lifts, sleepovers and home made treats and we are super grateful for all that you do.
Special thanks to our Pink Lady for Term 1 Charlotte Tidemann from Year 9. For a number of years, Charlotte and her parents Amanda and Craig have transported our Boarders to various sporting commitments including Rugby and AFL. They are always so accommodating, kind and go out of their way to ensure our Boarders can enjoy activities beyond the confines of Pymble. We are so grateful!
Aside from our day school families, all of day school staff go out of their way to support and make our life at Pymble so much sweeter. Just one example of this is the extra effort that our teachers are going to next week to give our Boarder parents the opportunity to meet our teachers face to face. Given most of our families live at least five hours away from the College, it is a rare and highly valued opportunity for our parents. Special thanks to Mr Plaskett and Ms Prosser who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this possible. We are delighted to crown you our Term 1 Pink Ladies.
Loving Love It
Last weekend was a busy one. We started with a special Easter treat with the Chocolatiers from Du Plessy Pralin and Otello in West Pymble. There were plenty of excited girls and staff as we watched the Chocolate being tempered and then made into eggs and bunnies. On Saturday night, we headed off to Chatswood for Laser Tag and then on Sunday we cooled off at the Manly Waterworks.
This weekend we will be heading to the W league to see ex-Pymble Students Sarah Hunter and Rachel Lowe take on the Newcastle Jets. Sunday is an extra special day in the Boarding calendar with the Balmoral Swim for Cancer. We have over 20 of our Boarders who will be participating in the School’s Relay event, and we are hoping to raise over $1000 for the cause. If you would like to donate, please click here.
It’s not too late to sign up for Eat Like a Boarder
I hope you can join us for dinner on Tuesday 25 April at 6.00pm, when you return your girls from the Term 1 break. This will be the ‘real’ experience, with you being able to enjoy the regular dinner service, just as the girls do each evening. If you would like to join us please rsvp to boarding@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Save the Date
Monday 3 April – E-Safety Presentation with Lynda Hart
Monday 3 April – Boarders’ Easter Egg Hunt
Tuesday 4 April – Learning Discussions onsite for Boarder parents
Wednesday 5 April – Boarders’ travel day (for Boarders outside of the Sydney Metropolitan Area)
Tuesday 25 April – Boarders return to Term 2: from 2.00pm
Tuesday 25 April – Eat Like a Boarder, 6.00pm
Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August – Boarder Parents Regional Weekend in Mudgee
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding