From the Upper School
A message from Mr Tom Riley, Head of Upper School
It is eerily quiet in the Upper School this week with Year 9 and 10 having started their examinations on Wednesday. We have extended the opportunity to study away from the College to both year groups and encourage the girls to honour this opportunity for independence by using the time effectively. I thought I should share my five best tips for maximising exam preparation:
- Vary your location – try having a few study spaces around the home, utilise a local library, and try to get some vitamin D.
- Take regular breaks – even elite athletes need rest!
- Plan your journey to the exam – minimise any potential stress by knowing your travel logistics and by leaving ample time for unforeseen events.
- Explain your answers to other people – whilst this might be a touch frustrating for parents and siblings at the dinner table this week, it really helps to offer clarity of thought.
- Snack on brain food – what you eat really impacts your energy levels and focus, so keep away from junk food!
Elsewhere, a huge congratulations to our many Year 9s involved in the Year 7 to 9 Drama Co-curricular play Hating Alison Ashley late last week. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the girls strut their stuff and was reminiscing of the 1990s soundtrack (although I highly doubt they knew many of the songs!)
Congratulations to Zoe Glendenning and Lola Barwick who attended the Inter-Schools Horse Extravaganza (ISHE) in Tamworth. Please enjoy their reflections below:
The event was ISHE in Tamworth. I competed in the one-day event and the 1.10 show jumping. I got overall champion in the showjumping which I was very happy with. It is an inters-chool event so all schools from across NSW go to it. I had a really great time and would definitely go back to compete in it again next year.
Written by Lola Barwick (Year 10)
Last weekend, I went to ISHE in Tamworth to compete in the senior preliminary dressage. I placed first in the Prelim 1.2 and sixth in the Prelim 1.3 with seventh overall. It was a great event and I got to compete alongside other Pymble girls and support them in their events.
Written by Zoe Glendinning (Year 10)
Tanzania 2023
During the September holidays 16 Yearr 11 students experienced an incredible life-changing journey when they visited Arusha, Tanzania. They worked alongside the children at East Meru Community School and the School of St Jude’s where they assisted teachers by providing resources and additional learning support for the children.
Additionally, they learnt a lot about challenges faced by women due to the lack of maternal health care in Africa when they visited Maternity Africa Kivulini hospital. The students would like to share their experiences at an afternoon tea on Monday 6 November. Students who may be interested in applying to attend the Tanzania Service Tour in the future are encouraged to attend.
From the Upper School Parent Group
Volunteers Needed
Could you help your year group by organising social events? Both year groups in Upper School are looking for 2024 SSPG year coordinators (for Years 10 and 11 next year). This can be a solo role, or if preferred you can share with a friend. You would be supported by the experienced volunteers of the Secondary school parent group with lots of guidance available, so new volunteers are most welcome. If you would like to get involved, please contact any of your current year coordinators below prior to 30 October to discuss.
Year 10 Zoe Green bzgreen@bigpond.net.au
Pamela McPherson bruceandpam@bigpond.com
Year 9 Kate Hart kate@countyconstruction.com.au
Christel Vigne vignechristel@gmail.com
Social media community groups:
PymbleLC Parents Class of 2025 (Facebook for year 10)
PymbleLC Parents Class of 2026 (Facebook for year 9)
PymbleLC USPG 2023 (Facebook for all Upper School parents)
Or please contact us for an invite to a WeChat group or Dads WhatsApp group.
Key Term 4 Dates
Wednesday 25 October to Wednesday 1 November – Year 9 and 10 Examination Week
Thursday 2 November – Year 10 Allwell Testing
Friday 3 November – Year 10 into 11 Transition Afternoon
Friday 3 November – Sportswomen Awards Night at Miramare Gardens
Saturday 11 to Tuesday 21 November – Year 10 Namadji Outdoor Education Program (OEP)
Sunday 12 to Tuesday 21 November – Year 10 Snowy Mountains OEP
Monday 13 to Friday 17 November – Year 10 Blue Mountains and Murramarang OEPs
Wednesday 22 November – Secondary School Ensemble Concert
Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December – Year 10 Future You/Service Week
Wednesday 6 December – Year 7-11 Speech Day in Gym
Tom Riley
Head of Upper School