From the Middle School
From the Head of Middle School, Jenny O’Donnell
This week in Middle School, we have been busy interviewing some outstanding applicants who were shortlisted for positions of responsibility in 2026. I have been impressed by their eloquence and the range of initiatives they hope to bring to the various portfolios. We hope to finalise our Year 8 leadership team in the next week or so. Congratulations to all who have applied across portfolios.
On Wednesday this week, we held our final transition event for continuing Year 6 students, which was a Q&A session completely run by the girls. I would like to once again acknowledge the outstanding commitment of our current Middle School Leaders who stepped up to answer some tricky questions, building confidence and excitement about the year ahead. Such beautiful mentors will help ensure a smooth start for incoming students. I very much appreciate their investment in our community.
Student reflections
Hey everyone! We are Tilly and Aryana and we were the MCs for the Year 6 ‘Afternoon in the Middle School’ assembly. This is a short run-down on how it went!
We started with a welcome and Acknowledgement of Country before giving the Year 6s an idea of what a typical day in year 7 looks like – start and finish times, how and where they can view their schedule and how their classes are grouped. We also explained the scheduling of co-curricular activities (before and after school) and what activities they will participate in over a week of MBS sessions.
As we finished a little early, we took some questions from the floor for any further queries. Some questions were focused on personalisation like “Can we decorate our laptop cases?” or “Can we decorate outside/inside our locker?”. More questions were focused on how classes were grouped, “Are our compass classes random?” or “When will we find out about our classes?” and so on. The Year 6 girls had many questions and we did our best to make them feel excited and confident going into Year 7, as it is a big change. Near the end of the assembly, we asked the group who was excited for Year 7 and many hands shot up, which was amazing to see. There were also a lot of hands from those who were nervous, but we assured them that it was totally fine and it was normal to be feeling a range of emotions.
We had a wonderful time answering their clever questions and getting to know our new friends who will be joining us in the Middle School community – we can’t wait to have them with us next year! – From Tilly and Aryana, Year 7
On Thursday this week, we will be heading out to Luna Park with Year 8 to celebrate all they have achieved across the last two years. The day promises to be a lot of fun and a chance to come together as a cohort. I would like to thank Mr Howells and Ms Stapp, our current Heads of Year 8 (and Ms Ventura in her absence), as well as Ms Bastes, our Middle School Events Organiser, for all the time and effort they have invested to ensure the day is a great success. Once the girls return to campus we are hoping they will take the opportunity to explore the Upper School Common Room which will be their new space in 2026.
On Tuesday next week, we will be holding our final Middle School Assembly which will be a chance to reflect on ‘25, farewell Year 8 and thank key people who have worked with commitment across the last 4 terms. Please remind your daughters that as we draw toward the end of term, it is important to acknowledge the people who have contributed to their journey over the last 12 months.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming families to our Year 7 Christmas Service on Friday 21 November. The girls have been very busy preparing for this exciting celebration and we would all love to see you there.
I am including a reflection from one of our Year 7 students that I really should have included a few weeks ago when the college celebrated Diwali. Diya Dhanpal was a wonderful advocate and ambassador for our cultural day and deserves many congratulations for her enthusiasm and organisation:
Finally, after what felt like ages, my most eagerly awaited, favourite time of the year was here! Diwali, or Deepavali (the festival of lights, diya), had arrived. At Pymble, it takes on a very special meaning, with all of the girls getting involved, dressing in their traditional attire, having fun, and of course, eating lots. After all, what celebration feels complete without a liberal sprinkle of sugar? The colours of the rangoli rice competed with the vibrant hues of the mithai (sweetmeats).
I proudly donned my vibrant red salwar kameez (traditional outfit) and joined my friends in getting pretty henna patterns on our palms. The colourful streamers adorning the colonnade matched the flurry of colours around us, almost as if swaying to the popular Hindi music playing in the background.
I’ve had the honour of witnessing this festive celebration grow bigger, more vibrant, colourful, and inclusive over my seven years as a Pymble girl. The celebration of the Thai festival of lights, Loi Krathong, was a beautiful way of tying our rich cultures together. Diwali is the victory of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, and of good over evil. At the end of the day, light, love, and laughter won (as always).
Deepavali ki hardhik shubkamnaayein (wishing one and all a very happy Deepavali).
A message from the Year 7 Parent Coordinators
All Year 7 parents are warmly invited to celebrate the completion of Year 7 with end-of-year parent drinks!
Details
Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Location: The Burns’ home
27–29 Boomerang Street, Turramurra
What to bring
- BYO drinks
- A plate of food to share
Even if you can only drop in briefly, it would be wonderful to catch up. We hope to see you there!
Maria and Edwina, Year 7 Parent Coordinators