From the Boarding School
One of my favourite aspects of my role is the opportunity to be out in the country learning more about our families. Last Friday night I was lucky enough to be in Orange to celebrate all things Pymble with present, past and prospective friends. Joined by our Heads of Upper School, Tom Riley and the indefatigable Jackie Garment, we had a fabulous time catching up on all things Pymble.
A real highlight was the company of four ex-students from the class of 1958. These incredible women exemplify the special bonds that link our Boarders so tightly. It was wonderful to see the friendships that were forged here at Pymble, thriving 65 years later and a fitting representation of the gift of a Pymble education.
And the farewells begin
Many of you will know, I started my tenure as Director of Boarding with our current Year 12 Boarders and saying goodbye to these wonderful girls is particularly sad for me. On Tuesday night the first our farewells began with a beautiful Chapel service where we thanked this fun loving, kind and hard-working group of girls.
Our Head Boarders, Abigail Ballhausen and Amarley Bron were recognised for the strength and gentleness, kindness and commitment, focus and resilience that they have consistently demonstrated. They have been innovative, empathetic and unwavering in striving for the best for our Boarding family and exemplary in every way.
Amongst the highlights of the evening were the thoughtful gifts for our Year 12s from our Pymble and Gordon Uniting Church family, presented by Reverend Karen and a stunning performance by our Pymbellas with a poignant rendition of ABBA’s ‘Slipping Through my Fingers’. The personal ‘shout outs’ to each Year 12 by our Year 11 Boarders, were super special and unforgettable.
Our new leaders
And as is the way, as we farewelled one marvellous group of girls, the next group are there ready to fill their very big shoes. On Tuesday our leaders for the 2023-24 year were announced. We have a gun team of Boarding leaders and it I am super excited about working with them. I was also very proud (and not surprised) to see the long list of Boarders who were successful in gaining leadership positions in the Day School as below.
Boarding Leaders
Head Boarders: Aspen Moore and Skye Pockley
Boarding Prefect Coordinator: Rori Lemon
Avonmoore Boarding Prefect: Hannah Thornton
Goodlet House Boarding Prefect: Stella Robertson
Marden House Boarding Prefect: Erica Williams
Community Engagement Boarding Prefect: Andie Hodder
Sport, Music and the Arts Boarding Prefect: Giaan Jackson
Wellbeing Boarding Prefect: Victoria Burton
Day School Leaders
Abigail Barfield – Upper School Liaison Prefect
Holly Craig – Sports Prefect and Captain of Rowing
Saskia Fitzgerald – Captain of Equestrian
Alisha Fung – Hammond House Prefect
Ashleigh Henderson – Dance Prefect
Giselle Kawane – Captain of Tennis
Charlotte Leung – Upper School Liaison Prefect
Dezi Mangan-Jones – Captain of Cricket
Brielle Mann – Senior School Liaison Prefect
Garden Party
With just two more sleeps to go, Garden Party is shaping up to be a fabulous day. My thanks for the many donations that have found their way to us, our stall is looking very healthy! If you haven’t had a chance to send through your donation it’s not too late – we will gratefully receive local produce, baked goods or anything that you think represents our Boarding family. If you have any questions, please contact Kylie Levy at k_levy@bigpond.com. Similarly, if you can help out on the day, please click here to sign up. Please remember all funds raised at our Boarders’ Stall go directly to the Boarders’ Parent Group Scholarship fund.
This year we have also been blessed with donations from our Day School families and these have been compiled into an absolute cracker of a raffle. Don’t forget to buy your tickets on the day for your chance to win!
Eat Like a Boarder
I hope you can join us for dinner on Monday 9 October at 6.00pm, when you return your girls from the Term 3 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 by no later than Thursday 28 September.
The Margaret Brooke ‘Brooksie’ Award
As you know, the ‘Brooksie’ is awarded in the final Chapel service at the end of each term to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman. This term the decision was unanimous in bestowing this award on Year 12 Boarder Georgia Stuart. It was lovely to have Brooksie here with us to present ‘her’ award and I have no doubt that you will agree that Georgia was an outstanding choice.
Georgia is a shining example of what it means to embody our College values. Her unwavering commitment to these principles has not only had a positive impact on her own life but has also enriched our Boarding community.
She is always curious and demonstrates a dedication to her studies. She consistently displays integrity, ethics, and humility, upholding high standards in all she does which lead to trust and respect from her peers and staff alike. Her honesty and kindness make Georgia a trustworthy friend. Her room is always immaculate and a pleasure to walk into, everything is in its place. Her uniform is the same. Every school morning when she walks down the stairs you can see she takes pride in wearing it.
Georgia is an active and engaged member of not only Boarding, but our Pymble community as a whole. Her involvement outside Boarding reflects her willingness to take on responsibilities. Her unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion also deserves mentioning. She embraces the unique perspectives and backgrounds of her fellow students, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Her inclusive approach contributes to Pymble’s commitment to diversity and equity.
Georgia possesses a strong sense of resilience and perseverance and she has faced challenges with determination. We have been privileged to have Georgia as a much-loved member of our Boarding family. I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire and lead in the future.
Save the Date
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