From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Year 5/Year 11 Honouring activity
This year the Year 11, now Year 12 students have been getting to know their Year 5 buddies – acting as friends or ‘big sisters’. Both year groups have shared their personal Vision Boards, which represent their interests and goals and the Year 12s have been able to impart valuable knowledge and wisdom about how to approach Year 6.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the care, support and warmth of all of the Year 12 students, who have made such a positive impression on their younger peers. This week, when the students came together, there was genuine excitement from the Year 5s to see the older girls, who some introduced to their friends and teachers. The Year 12s showed so much pride and interest in the stories that the Year 5s shared. This program will have its last session at the end of term, making Christmas decorations and sharing some festive cheer.
Here are some reflections from the Year 12 students:
We have had the pleasure of spending time with a Year 5 student for the past four sessions, where two Year 11 students were paired with a buddy to share our vision boards and goals. Not only was this such a fun experience, but this allowed us to broaden my communication skills with younger girls from the Junior school and give us the opportunity to showcase leadership and step up into Year 12 2024. We designed vision boards and showed them to our buddies. A few weeks later, the Year 5 girls made their own. It was really great to see both the contrasts and similarities in passions, hobbies, and our hopeful future endeavours and encouraged us to reflect on how we felt in Year 5. – Written by Lisa
I really loved my experience with my year 5 buddy, because not only did it allow me to connect with somebody younger than me who actually happened to have a lot in common with me, but also somebody who was in the same position as me, about to become head of our individual schools. It was a really rewarding experience to be able to provide advice and tell her things that l wish l had heard going into Year 6, and secondary school. My buddy was also a bit shy at first, so being able to help get her out of her shell and start talking to me, starting conversations, and feeling comfortable asking questions was a fulfilling experience. My favourite activity that we did throughout the whole program was the collages that we made about ourselves to show our buddy, not only did l enjoy sharing a bit about myself with her, but l loved how excited she was to show me hers! I hope this program will continue in the future as l found it really beneficial. – Written by Eleni
On Monday, our year group had an opportunity to connect with our Year 5 sisters while discussing future aspirations based on their personal vision boards. My buddy Charlotte and I shared our common passion for art, and the challenges of balancing schoolwork and extracurriculars. Through this experience, I was energised and motivated by her confidence and enthusiasm to succeed, hopefully becoming a year 12 role model for her. – Written by Shruti
Winning’s A Lousy Teacher – presentation by Dan Haesler
Pymble Ladies’ College is excited to announce that they will be hosting a presentation/workshop “Winning’s a Lousy Teacher” by Dan Haesler on Thursday 23 November from 5.00pm to 6.00pm in the Jobson Lecture Theatre, in the Kate Mason Senior School. There will be an opportunity for Q&A after the workshop. Students and parents will explore how mindset impacts their approach to sports and life. They’ll learn strategies to nurture their mental game, handle setbacks and enhance performance.
Dan Haesler is a performance coach with a wide range of clients, including elite athletes and corporate leaders. The workshop is open to students in Year 7 to 12 and their parents who represent Pymble in a sports or co-curricular team. There is limited space, so click here to RSVP by Friday 17 November.
Year 12 Information Night
As you may know, we had our Year 12 (2024) Information Night last week. For those parents and carers who were unable to attend, please click here for a recording of those presentations.
2023 HSC Examinations
The 2023 HSC examinations will conclude this week on Friday 3 November, with the students sitting the final examination, Food Technology, in the morning session. It is timely to congratulate the graduating Year 12s on their fine preparation and calm presentation throughout these exams. They leave with all of our very best wishes and keen interest to see what their future brings in 2024. Many thanks to the current Year 12 students who have maintained such a calm, supportive and quiet presence throughout the duration of the exams.
Farewell and thank you – Mrs Hickson
Mrs Belinda Hickson, our Senior School Administration Co-ordinator, has resigned from her position at the College after many years. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her all the best for her future and thank you for all the warmth and support she has provided to the students, parents and staff in the Senior School.
Term 4 – Key Dates
23 November – Dan Haesler presentation – Winning’s a Lousy Teacher
6 December Speech Day Year 7 to 11
6 December Term 4 concludes
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School