From the Boarding School

We are incredibly grateful for our First Nations Boarders who share their culture so generously with our Boarding family. The week between 27 May and 3 June is National Reconciliation Week and it was wonderful to see our school community so actively involved in commemorating this special time which marks two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. Our Boarders shared their stories at assembly and ex-Boarder Lucy Robertson returned to the College to speak of her journey of discovery through her research project for Aboriginal Studies.

Year 11 Boarder Sahara also shared her experience of the Arnhem Land Immersion that she attended in October last year. I hope you enjoy reading the article below she wrote for the spring edition of Keeping Up With Our Boarders:

This October I was among a few Pymble girls who were lucky enough to embark on a trip to Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I cannot stop talking about it, it is one of my core memories. I recommend this trip to everyone; it is a trip that no one could ever forget.

We spent three days on a homeland where only 15 people live during the dry season as when the wet season is happening, the roads get cut off and no one can access the homeland. We hung out with the families and got to know them. We were also very lucky enough to go swimming in a sacred swimming hole where you are only allowed to visit if given permission. We visited a local art gallery and just got to relax and live in the moment for once without any devices to get distracted by. Oh, and don’t let me forget the crocodiles we were able to see, swimming above the water at night.  

When we were at the homeland, we were lucky enough to have daily lessons with the Elders; and were grateful to learn about Yolngu language in particular which is linked with skin names. In Yolngu language there are two moieties: Dhuwa and Yirritja. The Elders gave us our skin names depending on which moiety we chose. There are four female and four female skin names for Dhuwa and Yirritja. Skin names are how Aboriginal people identify each other when they are visiting other places. I was Dhuwa and was given the female skin name of Gamanydjan, the male skin name is Gamarraŋ. 

It is hard to pick out the highlights but one of the unforgettable experiences was when we were healed by six of the Elders. This is where you get traditional plants soaked in warm water, these are then poured on any places that are hurting, causing pain or discomfort.

This trip has been such a highlight in my schooling and I am grateful to all those that made it possible for me to attend.

We were also treated to an afternoon with Mrs Gillian Moore (Principal, 1989 to 2007) and Mrs Kate Mason (Chair of the College Board, 2002 to 2010) who shared their story of how the First Nations program started at Pymble. Dezi and Latiah, Boarders and First Nations Scholars, also spoke eloquently and openly of their experiences at Pymble and their hopes for the future. It was truly an inspiring afternoon.

An official welcome to Reverends Danielle and Cass

On Tuesday evening our Boarders were delighted to be included in the formal induction of our Chaplains, Reverend Danielle and Reverend Cass. It was a very special ceremony, made even better by our beautiful Boarders who, in perfect school uniform, sang beautifully and made interesting dining companions for our guests.

Pymble comes to you

Please don’t forget that we will be in Wagga Wagga on 21 and 22 June at the Boarding School Expo. If you are in the area we would love you to call in and say hello.

Better still, if you are available on the evening of 22 June, it would be great to see you at the Temora home of Pymble parents Jo and Mark Brennan for a gathering of Pymble friends. Please click the invitation below to RSVP.

Love It, Mrs Katie White – Deputy Director of Boarding

Last weekend, Sydney welcomed back Vivid Festival. The staff took the girls on quite the adventure; starting at Kissing Point Wharf at Putney they took the River Cat to Barangaroo and were able to experience all that Vivid had to offer around the Barangaroo precinct. On Sunday, our Boarders had an early start for the annual Balmoral Burn. It was a tough race up Awaba Street, but our Boarders dominated. Congratulations to Jocelyn and Lana who were among the first to the top.

This weekend we recognise National Reconciliation Week. On Saturday, many of our Boarders and families will take part in the First Nations Round of Sport – a celebration of the role that sport can play in the life of all Australians. On Sunday we will be heading to the Australian Museum to experience an immersive journey through time, where interactive exhibitions breathe life into the ancient dreamtime stories.

View From My Window

My name is Wyntah Woodroffe-Mulholland, I’m in Year 10 and I’ve been boarding since Year 9 in 2023. I live in Darwin, which is at the top of the Northern Territory and about four-ish hours away from Sydney by plane. I’ve lived in Darwin my whole life with my family. In my family there is myself, my older brother Chayseton, two younger sisters – Imarni who is at Pymble with me and Celia-Betty who is nine – my younger brothers – Patrick who is seven and Junior who is two – and of course my parents, Enid and Kim.

The view from my window is actually just the road and the front of another person’s house but the time I spend at home is my most cherished memories with my family. I love having a day out fishing somewhere off the Nightcliff Jetty, the creek or in the mangroves, swimming in any waterhole nearby, going to the rugby or AFL stadium and watching my siblings play – even the early 8.00am games and staying all day to watch the 6.30pm games. I also enjoy going to the city to have dinner, then finishing off the night with a ride on the ferris wheel, having a barbecue down on the beach with all the family or simply just having a girls’ day with mum at the local shopping centre.

I had never boarded or been such a long way from home since coming here last year, so it was a big adjustment coming to Sydney starting a new school. Although I love it in Sydney and I am very grateful for all the new opportunities that have opened up for me, but going home is definitely one of the biggest highlights at the end of every term.

Boarder of the Week

Year 12 Boarder Imogen has been a delight ever since she first arrived in Boarding in Year 8.  She is a much-loved housemate, with a fabulous sense of humour, who is always willing to step up and try anything.

Her talents are diverse and she shares them generously. Imogen has a passion for drama and all things creative and this shines through in everything from staring in Pymble productions, to video production, to public speaking.

In recognition of her skills and heritage, Imogen was invited to produce an artwork for the Acknowledgement of Country which is significant for Pymble and this receives much acclaim in its special place in the library. Imogen is an outstanding representative of all our Boarders and we are grateful for the love and joy she shares so generously.

Save the Date

4 August Boarder Community Day (all Boarders required to be in attendance)

25 August                   Father, Daughter event

20 September            Boarders and their Families event

21 September            Garden Party

Term 4 TBA Mother-Daughter Lunch

Boarder Parent Group Meetings

20 September – 2.30pm onsite

24 October – 7.00pm Microsoft Teams meeting

Carolyn Burgess

Head of Boarding