From the Boarding School
Our partnership with the Uniting Church is so special for our Boarding family. We have especially appreciated Reverend Karen joining our fortnightly Chapel services and, as you have previously read, our biannual visits from the congregation are deeply valued.
On Tuesday members of our Boarders’ Representative Council met with Reverend Karen to discuss how we could extend our relationship with the church. There were many great suggestions, withus ultimately agreeing that our Boarders would return to our pre-covid quarterly visits to the church. Reverend Karen is determined to ensure that these services are meaningful for the Boarders and there will be a number of options to attend.
We also spoke about ways in which our extended church family could be involved with our Boarders. There were lots of ideas including Sunday roasts, sharing of skills such as knitting and a special support group for our new Boarders. If you have suggestions, please do not hesitate to send then through.
Our fabulous athletes
On Tuesday night we were thrilled to hear of the well-deserved recognition of three of our fabulous Boarders. Head Boarder Abigail (Abby) Ballhausen won the most Prestigious Award of the night – The Ripple Boyle Trophy for Commitment, Spirit, and Excellence for her contribution to Pymble Athletics and Cross Country. Year 10 Boarder, Lana Pike won the Distance Award and Year 7 Boarder, Madeleine (Mads) Gaden was awarded the Encouragement award for Sprints.
It was also wonderful to hear our Boarders being gracious and grateful for the opportunities they have been afforded at Pymble. Grace Peters was a particular standout as she acknowledged the wonderful contribution and the positive impact of Jack Pennington in the athletics program.
Our newest Boarder, Grace Townsend also did us proud, representing Pymble, along with day girl Samara Bond, and was interviewed and filmed by a film crew on Main Oval yesterday for Edstart and NSWCIS. The girls will feature in a promotional video for NSWCIS Athletics Championships. I look forward to sharing the video with you in the coming weeks.
Looking forward to 2024
With our new Year 7 Boarding House scheduled for completion in 2024 and a vertical structure planned for our Year 8 to 11 girls, we have much planning to do. This week we sent a survey to our Boarders to seek their feedback on how they see the new structure working, which House they would like to reside in and with whom. In the weeks to come we will send a similar survey to parents and we will pool this information with the view to making the best decision for each girl. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions about the vertical system please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Love It – Mrs White, Deputy Director of Boarding
Last weekend was packed with plenty of action. We welcomed the Riverview Year 11 Boarders for a trivia night on Friday. Thanks to Erica and Holly, who volunteered to run the evening. The weather was perfect on Sunday as the Boarders headed to the Northern Beaches for a picnic. The Boarders enjoyed the glorious weather and even braved the cool water temperatures. On Sunday afternoon, we welcomed Mrs. Myles back into Boarding to assist with the Father’s Day gifts. These have turned out so well, and we can’t wait for the dads to receive their gifts this weekend. We will post photos of these next week so we don’t ruin the surprise 😉
Over the upcoming weekend, our Garden Party arrangements will commence. We’ll kick things off with our preparation of rocky road at Boarders Get Baking on Friday. Following that, Saturday will be dedicated to the craft of candle making. As Sunday arrives, we’ll be venturing to Macquarie for an enjoyable ice skating session. Additionally, the much-anticipated King of the Polar Bears performance, featuring all our talented ballerinas, is eagerly anticipated at school on Friday.
Boarding Community Event
On the eve of the Garden Party we look forward to celebrating with all our families at the Warrawee Club. This event follows our Boarder Parent Group meeting at 3.00pm and, most likely a few final preparations for the Garden Party. All Boarders are required to be in attendance on this night and we hope our families can join in the fun too.
View From My Window
My name is Georgie Stanley, and I am 14 years old, and live in Mudgee in Central West New South Wales. I am in Year 8 and have been boarding since Year 7.
I live around 10 minutes out of town on 25 acres, and Mudgee is around three and a half hours away from Pymble. I live with my mum Kim and my dad Bertie, my younger brother James, our labradoodle Bella, and my brother’s bird and guinea pigs. My parents both work in their own business as finance people and they have been doing this for around eight years.
Mudgee is a big tourist spot because of its wineries, food, and its countryside. The things I love about it are the cafes, the restaurants, and all the nice people. I also like going on walks with my dog and when my family from the Central Coast come up for Christmas.
When I look out my window, I can see the flats leading up to the town. Behind the town are the hills and at night when the sun sets the hills turn a beautiful bright orange and pink colour. I always look forward to coming back to Boarding after the holidays so I can see my friends again. As much as I love being at my home in Mudgee, I will always see Pymble as my home away from home.
Boarder of the Week
Please join us in congratulating Hannah Thornton, our well deserving Boarder of the Week. Hannah, who joined Pymble Boarding from Dubbo in Year 8, has always embodied team spirit and kindness, which was on full display over the weekend. Hannah kindly gave up her time during exam preparation to cheer on the Boarders and was a friendly presence at hockey on Saturday. Hannah ended up stepping in to play on the team, without hesitation when they were short players. She was a positive presence, encouraging her Boarding sisters, and they could not be more appreciate of her efforts. In house, Hannah is always assisting staff, supporting peers and actively participates in the Boarding Community. Congratulations Hannah we are lucky to have you with us!
Save the Date
8 September – Pymble in Orange
12 September – Boarders’ End of Term Chapel and Farewell to Year 12 (Boarders only, all in attendance)
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