From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
A very warm welcome to Term 4! We are delighted to welcome Cordelia, Sophie, Aurelia, Lulu, and Emmeline to the Upper School this term. We look forward to getting to know them and ensuring they feel at home at Pymble.
We hope your daughters enjoyed some downtime during the holidays and have returned feeling rested and rejuvenated. There is much to accomplish between now and the end of term! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support should you need it during this busy period.
Our students have an exciting term ahead, filled with fun and challenging learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The final Year 9 Residential Program for the year commenced this week with a visit to Vision Valley and students were joined by boys from Churchie. We have consistent data showing that girls who complete this program report improved wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging; we hope this will be the case for these students as well. The Upper School team is looking forward to their upcoming visits to Vision Valley, and I am excited to join the girls on their Blue Mountains abseiling and canyoning day next week.
For our Year 10 students, this term marks significant academic milestones. The girls have been diligently preparing for their Yearly Examinations in Week 3 and the upcoming transition into Senior School. Our role is to support them in developing vital study skills, resilience, and time management. Please reach out to your daughter’s Compass teacher or Head of Year if you have any concerns.
Year 10 Examination Information
The Year 10 examination block will be held from Monday 27 October to Thursday 30 October (Week 3). Students have two exams daily on Monday and Tuesday and will remain at school in quiet study rooms between their morning and afternoon exams.
On Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, some students may have one or more examinations based on their elective choices. If students have only an afternoon examination, they are permitted to sign in late. Students should arrive just before their examination.
Once students have completed their final examination of the day on Wednesday and/or Thursday, they have permission to return home. Students are expected to return directly home.
On Friday 31 October, students will be taking part in ALLWELL exams from Periods 1- 4. This is compulsory for all students and will require catch-up for any student who is absent on the day.
An exciting afternoon has been organised during lunch, MBS and Period 5 on Friday. Lunch will be provided, and students will have the opportunity to select from a range of afternoon activities. If students would like to be involved in a swimming activity, they are encouraged to bring their Pymble swimming costume. Students will need to change into their PE uniform for lunch and Period 5.
All students are expected to attend the full day on Friday.
Please note that the Upper School Common Room will be open to Year 10 students on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon this week from 3:30 to 5:00pm for private study in the lead up to exams. Students must sign in if they are attending and will be supervised by a member of staff.
Year 10 started the term off with the Annual Pymble and Shore Dance at Miramare Gardens. It was a fun way to start the term and for the girls to have an opportunity to connect with their peers at Shore. Thank you to Stella Sharp for sharing her reflection of the event.
Pymble Shore Dance aka ‘Shormal’ student reflection
“After weeks of excited planning- which hairstyle matches the dress? Do we risk a night-before tan? Trust the catering, or fry up my grandma’s legendary spring rolls as insurance? Out of nowhere, the Shormal countdown hit zero.
My friends and I got ready at my house, terrified we’d set the fun standard too high, and that the icebreakers with Shore would be painfully awkward. Never mind! Devouring spring rolls, we grew the guts needed to face the night ahead.
The event began with a traffic jam as over 400 students filed into the venue. That’s when I spotted a group of Shore boys. No, sorry, a group of Adam Sandlers. Pyjamas, sweatpants, Nike Tech, Birkies. Okay. Thank you, at least, for wearing shoes.
Inside, I quickly sniffed out the catering (a solid four out of five). Then came the icebreakers: same colour wristband? Easy. Same electives? Tougher. Same height? Funny. I strolled right back to the sandwiches.
Once the music was pumped up, the dance floor came alive. Shout out to Erin and Mia for destroying the “White Chicks” reminiscent dance battle!
Socialising was a mix of shouting over the music and awkward but endearing interactions. Special mention to the boy who offered me a handshake, then immediately wiped his hand on his shirt. No, I don’t have cooties.
By the time ‘Dancing Queen’ hit, I had maxed out the photo booth, ripped out some killer dance moves, and made plenty of lasting memories.
While my grandma was disappointed that I returned without a husband, I think coming home with good friends, sore feet, and to a sneaky leftover spring roll was a far greater success. What a night!”
Exchange Program for Year 10 2026
Information about the 2026 International Exchange Program is now available.
Please ensure that you carefully read all program details before considering this opportunity. Both students and families should review the information thoroughly prior to submitting an application.
Cultural and Language Exchange – 2026 Timeline
· Applications are open until Sunday October 26th
· Interviews: Term 4, Weeks 2-5 – all other applicants
· Places Advised: Term 4, Week 8 (via email). Second round offers will be made in Term 1, 2026
Service in Action – St Edmunds Swimming Carnival and Vision Valley Day
We deeply appreciate our students’ commitment to supporting peers with additional needs. We are proud to have expanded our partnership with St Edmund’s School and the ways in which we contribute to their community. This week, our Year 10 students assisted at St Edmund’s annual swimming carnival with remarkable compassion and enthusiasm. On Friday, our Vision Valley girls will continue this partnership by facilitating a range of outdoor education activities for St Edmund’s students. The girls have thoughtfully prepared for these sessions, and we are grateful for the meaningful opportunities this experience offers all involved.
On Monday, 21st October, I had the privilege of volunteering at the St Edmund’s Swimming Carnival, held at Pymble, as a continuation of the AIM initiative. The event was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the school’s vibrant community and contribute to such a joyful occasion.
Throughout the day, I took part in dressing up in House colours, leading cheers, and encouraging students to show their team spirit. It was inspiring to see the students’ enthusiasm as they cheered one another on, celebrating every effort and achievement with genuine excitement. I especially enjoyed reconnecting with students I had met last term and motivating others to participate in their races with confidence and positivity.
What stood out most was the strong sense of unity among the students and was heart-warming to see friendships and encouragement shared across different year groups. We also assisted staff by serving complimentary coffee and morning tea, which was a great way to support the smooth running of the event.
Overall, the day was a rewarding and uplifting experience that highlighted the inclusivity, spirit, and sense of community of St Edmund’s College. – Saskia Nicholson
The St Edmund’s Swimming Carnival was an incredible and meaningful experience. Everybody was in their house colours, filling the pool area with excitement and energy as we cheered along the swimmers. It was amazing to see how involved and proud the students were to participate in the carnival and the genuine joy and support from everybody made the day feel extremely special. I feel so deeply grateful and honoured to take part such a joyous and heartwarming event. – Cindy Jin
Jacaranda Day Exodus Food Drive
We are encouraging all students and their families to contribute generously to this year’s Food Drive. All goods will be delivered by the Exodus Foundation as part of their Christmas initiative. Thank you in advance for your contributions to help make Christmas special for those who are less fortunate. We are asking that all Upper School students contribute the following food items:
- Christmas puddings
- Mince pies
- UHT Custards
- Nuts
- Chocolates and lollies
- Shortbread
- Chips
- Christmas hampers
- crackers
Celebrating Student Achievements
Each term and over the break, we receive updates on the remarkable accomplishments of our students, and we encourage you to share these moments with us.
Congarulations Willa!
“Last week in Singapore, the Junior Matildas competed in the Asian Cup Qualification tournament. In our pool was Northern Mariana Islands in conjunction with Singapore. We came away with two wins and secured the team’s spot in the Asian Cup in China next year. It was an amazing experience to be able to compete and even score for my country… but nothing compares to Monday morning Chinese lessons with Xie Lao Shi! “ By Willa Pearson
Congratulations Poppy!
“Over the weekend, I competed on my horse Mickey at ISHE in Tamworth, riding in two different show jumping rounds and winning the 1.15m class. I was pleased to be named Overall Senior Champion. It was a great weekend, especially as it was my first time jumping this height on Mickey, and I really enjoyed riding at AELEC. I’m already looking forward to competing there again next year.” By Poppy Barwick
Shout out to:
Ariana Azizmohommad and Tala Gubara on winning the Pymble Sokratis program this year for their project on Women’s health and fertility.
Congratulations to Sarah Quan (Year 9) for her outstanding performance at the Jack Newton International Sub Junior Golf Classic, placing 6th overall.
Well done to all the students who presented at the Year 10 Talent Development Program Showcase evening. The presentations were outstanding and demonstrated the depth of intellect and passion amongst our students.
Well done to Mali Bond, Naomi Kranjanic, Eliza Lawton, Beth Carruthers, Belle Legge-Hughes, Isabelle Shorter, and Anelia Night for their efforts and successes at the recent NSW All Schools Athletics.
Congratulations to Alice Zhang Kim and Isis Li on their achievements in the National History Challenge. Both Alice and Isis are State Winners in the Asia and Australia and Democracy categories, respectively.
Well done to Madeline Gaden, who placed 3rd at the Bare Equestrian NSW Horse of the Year and has now qualified for the Nationals in December.
Congratulations to Alexa Wu, who will be attending the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science Dinner in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Computer Science competitions this year.
Kudos to Rianne Leung, who proudly represented Australia at the European Cadet Circuit in Slovakia.
A big congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 Dance students in Jazz White and Hip Hop Crew, who were crowned National Champions at the Dance Elite Nationals Competition over the break.
Well done to Poppy Barwick, Alexa Kong, and Jessie Gui for their participation in the Horse Championships and Equestrian Nationals.
