From the Boarding School
Our Boarding family spans from as close as Willoughby to as far as Dubai and it is a real treat for me to be able to be visit our families in their hometowns and gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of our Boarders. Last week I was lucky enough to spend a few days on the road in Northern New South Wales, primarily in Moree and Narrabri. I was joined by our Principal Dr Hadwen, Head of Agriculture, Grant Jackson and Enrolments Manager, Clair Stock. A real highlight for us was a tour of Rose Kirkby’s cotton farm in Moree. Rose’s dad gave up his morning to show us around and talk all things cotton. It was hilarious when we asked if we could have some cotton to bring back and he happily yanked out a few plants!
The trip really cemented for me that Pymble is absolutely the right choice for our country girls – at home they are surrounded by wide open spaces and I understand the appeal of our beautiful campus where they can look out their windows and see grass, ride bikes and spend time in the Ag Plot. Fortunately, our parents (and grandparents!) agree and it was great to meet with many of them at a function in later in the evening.
The following day, Clair and I head off to Narrabri and it was lovely to catch up with ex-Boarder, Sue Allan (Hunt 1951) and the Melton family and to meet many other families who are thinking about joining us at Pymble in the future.
For our Elders
This week we celebrated a slightly delayed NAIDOC Week. All of our First Nations Scholars are Boarders and we are so proud of the thought provoking assembly they organised and presented on Tuesday. All our Boarders joined in the celebrations by decorating the Boarding Houses. We feel so fortunate to have our First Nations sisters as part of our family and value their perspectives, wisdom and teachings that they share so generously.
Watch our Head Boarders shine
We always knew our dynamic duo of Amarley Bron and Abigail Ballhausen (Abby) were pretty special and this last week has definitely left no doubt in our mind.
Last Wednesday, Amarley featured as panel member in a joint collaboration with Q+A and BTN focusing on the voices of the next generation in a digital special. The panel and audience of Gen Z, along with Minister for Youth, Anne Aly, discussed some of the big issues they’ll be facing in the years to come. As always, Amarley did us proud, providing insightful feedback in her usual engaging and informed manner. You can watch the program at https://www.abc.net.au/qanda/q-a-x-btn-high-special/102558630 .
And, while Amarley was challenging us to think more deeply about technology, Abby was on the track working hard. She was justifiably rewarded with first place in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships. Abby competed in the 17 years, four-kilometre event at Eastern Creek with nearly 100 competitors in her race. It was a fantastic event, with Abby taking the lead shortly after the start and no one could catch up.
Abby is a study in dedication and determination, competing in every State Cross Country Championship since she joined us at Pymble in Year 7 and placing either first or second in her events. We are delighted that she was awarded Gold in her final year at Pymble. She has qualified for the National Cross Country Championships to be held in Canberra end of August and we look forward to cheering her on.
Our Swift Super Star
Congratulations to another superstar Year 12 Boarder, Grace Whyte who has been selected as a valued member of the 2023 QBE Swifts Academy Team and will play in the Australian Netball Championships in Queensland between August 21 – 27. The event is a pathway competition for emerging national talent for netball across Australia and the world’s leading netball competition.
Love It Program – Off to a Fabulous Start! – Kate Inglis (Acting Deputy Director of Boarding)
Our Boarders have embarked on the “Love It” Program with many showing enthusiasm for activities over the weekend. Last Friday evening, our younger Boarders joined the Pymble Community by attending the Cultural Festival – Dragon Boat Dinner. This wonderful event not only connected our Boarders with a taste of home but also provided a joyous opportunity for them to celebrate the Double Fifth or Dragon Boat Holiday.
Record-Breaking Co-Curricular Sports Participation
This term, we have achieved a record number of Boarders participating in co-curricular sports. Netball and Hockey kicked off with great excitement last Saturday morning, and our campus was buzzing with energy as the matches unfolded. It was wonderful to witness Boarding Sisters and Staff cheering on our girls from the sidelines, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among our Boarding Community.
We are also thrilled to have Marden Boarders participating in Water Polo and AFL, as well as signing up for the Winter Rowing Program with our Senior Boarders. With the commencement of Rugby this weekend, we look forward to supporting our Boarders on the sidelines.
Competitive Fun – Mini Golf and Manly Adventure
Our Boarders truly know how to have a blast! Saturday evening saw the girls donning their best golfing attire for an exciting game of Mini Golf. The competitive yet encouraging spirit was present, and it was impressive to see many of our girls completing the course in record time! The following day, our younger Boarders embarked on an adventure to Manly, exploring the scenery of Sydney and its various modes of transport, all while enjoying the picturesque beaches and, of course, a delightful ice-cream treat!
Christmas in July – A Festive Delight!
Our Boarding Community celebrated Christmas in July on Sunday Evening. Our Spirit House Captains worked their magic, decorating the dining hall with baubles, tinsel, and bon-bons, setting the spirit! After the laughter and corny jokes from the bon-bons, girls and staff feasted on a special Christmas Menu, enjoying the delights of roast turkey, maple-glazed vegetables, and pavlova. The occasion left both staff and Boarders feeling the Christmas spirit early, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible Kitchen team for their exceptional efforts in catering for this joyous occasion.
Love It – Week 2
Friday: TAS Fest and Senior Social with Knox
Saturday: Year 10 Formal Dinner with Newington, Barbie Movie, or In-House Games Night
Sunday: Bacon & Eggs Rolls and Year 7 & 8 Bowling Event with Knox
View From My Window
Hi, I’m Boa, and I’m a Year 10 Boarder here at Pymble. When I’m not at school, I spend my days in Seoul, South Korea, where I’ve lived for the past five years. Back at home, I seldom get the opportunity to feel lonely, as I find myself in the constant company of my family; this includes my mom, my little brother, Oliver (who currently boards at Knox), and my dog, Toto! Though I may have been in adamant disagreement if you asked me a couple years back, I’ve really come to appreciate having a sibling, and someone to spend the bustling or quiet days and nights with.
I’ve moved several times during my time in Seoul, my first place of residence being this apartment complex near my school. However, due to feeling as though the house were too empty now that she’d sent my brother and I overseas, my mom decided to move to a smaller yet nonetheless cosy townhouse in the same district as my previous home. Though this does mean that I am now resigned to sleeping on the couch whenever I visit home, I was delighted by this change of pace.
Though this isn’t a common occurrence, the views from my window that I cherish most are the ones in which I get to look out onto the veranda to see the snow dappled trees, the flurries of white powder pelting down from the sky. The photo doesn’t do the sight justice, it’s a truly magical experience. The snow is a summoner of joy and warmth within my household, the crisp breeze carrying the cheer, hope and endearment that trademarks the festivities of winter.
My mom loves to make the most of my brother and I’s quarterly returns to Korea. She regularly takes us on picnics, we spend weeks every winter skiing just out of Seoul, and best of all, we get to properly indulge in Korean food – which I’d highly recommend to those of you who’ve never tried it before. I spend my winters out in the snow, and my summers cooped up in my air-conditioned house, as it gets so hot that simply stepping outside becomes a feat of great physical exertion.
The alluring views and flavours from back home are wonders in themselves, yet my favourite part of returning to Korea has to be getting to see my friends and family again. And despite my fondness of my home, and its stark differences to life in Australia, I’m never disappointed when returning to boarding. It’s always such a delight to get to see my friends, the staff, and all your familiar faces again.
Boarder of the Week
Cleo has been a delightful and exemplary Boarder since she joined us in Year 7 at the start of the year. She hails from the lovely mountain town of Bilpin, where her family run a cider shed. Cleo is calm and measured in all her interactions with staff, as well as her peers. She keeps her room tidy and her uniform perfect every day. She keeps busy and involved and manages her schedule without fuss. It comes as no surprise that Cleo was nominated for Boarder of the Week by one of her Boarding sisters – here’s what she had to say:
Cleo has been such a big help for me since I hurt my leg. She puts my sheets on my bed for me because I can’t do it by myself. She also helps me down the stairs when I’m having trouble. She has been such a kind and caring friend, she deserves the award.
We couldn’t agree more! We are so proud of Cleo’s selflessness and willingness to help others in need. She exemplifies the College values and we are delighted to have her as part of our Pymble Boarding Family.
Save the Date
Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August – Boarder Parents Regional Weekend in Mudgee
13 August – Combined Chapel service – All Boarders required to be in attendance between 9.00am and 11.30am
8 September – Pymble in Orange
15 September – Boarder Parent Group meeting and Community Event – all Boarders required to be in attendance
16 September – Garden Party
20 September – Year 12 Boarder and parent celebration
21 September – Year 11 and 12 Speech Day and Valedictory Dinner
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding