From the Boarding School
While our Boarders live across four separate houses, we really are just one big family. There are many ways in which the girls come together across the year groups to learn from each other, have fun and make beautiful memories.
Our Spirit House Circles are one of the valuable ways in which we form rich connections across the year groups. Each Boarder is allocated a ‘circle’ on commencement at the College and they stay with this group throughout their time at Pymble. On Tuesday nights, they sit together in their ‘circles’, usually preceded by some sort of fun activity.
Our Spirit House Captains take leadership of these activities and this week it was the Handball Championship! It was great to see our most senior Boarders enjoying the fun as much as our youngest Boarders and it is fair to say we have a competitive bunch of girls!
Maggio’s Visit
Last Friday our Boarders Get Baking team had a real treat – a visit to the fabulous Maggio’s Bakery and Pasticceria at Cammeray. This is always a highlight of the Boarders get Baking program and a terrific learning experience for all the girls. Andrew Maggio, the eponymous owner, took us on a behind the scenes tour and explained the process of running a successful business and revealed the secret to a great almond croissant. His message of ‘hard work pays off’ was well received and our Year 12 girls particularly enjoyed the insight into the hospitality industry.
Of course, the girls loved the delicious selection of pastry treats and hot chocolates but the true favourite was making their very own Italian donut complete with Nutella filling.
We are very grateful to Mr Maggio for giving his time and treats so generously and to the wonderful Kathryn Wiedemann for organising yet another fabulous Friday afternoon for us.
New to Pymble and Pymble?
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Congratulations Millie!
I am delighted to share that Millie Sutcliffe was awarded the UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year at the Regional Academies of Sport Awards Night. This prestigious award recognises elite young Indigenous athletes from all academies. Before joining us at Pymble, Millie was training with the Western Region Academy of Sport. Her award recognises her outstanding achievements in basketball.
Loving Love It – Mrs White Deputy Director of Boarding
As we hit the midpoint of term, Love it was in full swing with a trip to the driving range and putt putt golf course at Thornleigh. The Boarders delighted in refining their swings and evening attaining some hole in one success on the putt putt course.
Sunday’s weather was just stunning, and several Boarders enjoyed a trip to the Palm Beach markets with Taryn and Deb. This weekend we are looking forward to our invite a day girls’ event on Friday night while the parents enjoy ice breaker.
Saturday afternoon will be an opportunity to head to the city for a visit to chocolate heaven – Max Brenner. This Sunday, there will be two options: the first is the chance to join the Pymble Pulse at the Head of the River rowing and the second option will be a trip to Wylie’s Baths at Coogee.
View From My Window
Hi, my name is Lily, I am 16 years old, and I was born in Sydney. My first school was Miranda North Public School and when I was in Year 1 my family moved to one of the most beautiful places in Australia – Port Macquarie.
The view from my window is special because I can see right out onto the water. I walk out my back door past our pool and can jump into the canals that are part of the Hastings River, where I play on my kayak, stand-up paddle board, go out on my “tinnie”, our speedboat or sometimes one of our jet skis.
Before coming to the College I went to St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie with my brothers, Ben 15 (who is now a boarder at Knox) and Zac 11. I started as a Boarder here at the College in 2023 when I was in Year 10.
I live with my mum (Samantha), dad (Laurence), my two brothers and our gorgeous labradoodle, Poppy. We live in an amazing house with a fabulous waterfront on the canals. I come from a Police Family; my dad retired as an Inspector after 30 years of service and my mum retired after 20 years as a Sergeant.
My mum is an amazing person and my parents wrote a book called Left for Dead which is all about her. Port Macquarie is a lovely place to live, it is a very common tourist destination all year round as there is so much to do, people come for the holidays to visit our amazing beaches, go for camel rides, and visit Billabong Zoo.
Like all country towns, sport is a big part of daily life. I swim competitively at NSW Country, NSW Titles and the Australian Titles for the last 3 years. I also play soccer for Iona Sports Club and patrol as a Life Saver at Port Macquarie Surf Club which is based at Flynns Beach.
When I return to school I love going to Pymble squad training with coach Rafa in the Engine squad. I love being a Boarder at Pymble as I have met so many girls from right around NSW, I love being able to take advantage of the numerous academic opportunities.
Boarder of the Week
Harriett joined us from Walcha in 2023, and has been a wonderful addition to Goodlet House this year. She has a friendly and welcoming presence, ensuring new Boarders feel comfortable and welcomed. Harriett is diligent with her boarding routines, being the first to attend the ‘Learn It’ program and she always keeps her room tidy. She enjoys a chat with staff and her peers and welcomes others to join. Harriett has been a wonderful big sister to our new Year 7 Boarders, visiting Avonmoore in her spare time. Harriett has ensured the girls have a familiar face whilst on the ‘Love it’ program and looks out for the new Boarders on her travels. A well-deserved Boarder of the Week!
Save the Date
1 March PPA Icebreaker followed by ‘posts’ for Boarder parents at the Pymble Pub
28 March Boarders’ Travel Day Easter Long Weekend (Year 7 date to be confirmed)
1 April Boarders’ return from Easter Long Weekend from 5.00pm
9 April End of Term Chapel and Dinner
12 April End of Term Travel Day
29 April Boarders return and Eat Like a Boarder
Extra-special must-save dates!
18 and 19 May Regional Weekend on the Hawkesbury for Boarder parents only.
25 August Father, Daughter event
20 September Boarders and their Families event
21 September Garden Party
3 November Mother, Daughter Lunch (please note revised date)
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding