From the Boarding School
It was wonderful to see our First Nations scholars leading the way throughout Reconciliation Week. On Saturday, the culmination of the week, our Boarders embraced the opportunities of the First Nations Round of Sport. This special event commenced with a welcome ceremony opened by Uncle Neil Evers and led by our First Nations students. The ceremony included sharing of stories, performances from our First Nations dance troupe and speeches outlining the important role sport can play as a platform for increasing understanding and awareness of important national issues. It was great to hear these special young women sharing their stories and culture and especially wonderful to have many of their families here with us.
On Tuesday we came together in the Lang House lounge to give thanks to some of the people who so generously support our First Nations program. It was an excellent opportunity for our scholars to share their journey and we couldn’t have been prouder of Year 12 First Nations scholar, Imogen who shared her story since arriving at Pymble when she was in Year 8. I hope you enjoy sharing in Imogen’s words which I have reprinted below:
“My name is Imogen, and I am a proud Gamilaraay woman. I have been boarding at Pymble since Year 8 and am now in Year 12. I am from a family of five with my parents and two younger brothers who are all in Bundaberg.
I came to Pymble in 2020 because my family and I wanted a supportive and challenging environment in which I could grow. At first, I was both excited and nervous. My dad was in the navy, and as a result we moved a around a lot, and I had to learn how to adjust to new friends and different environments. However, Pymble soon became a new constant in my life, for which I am so grateful.
Pymble has helped me grow a lot, encouraging me to try new things, take on leadership roles, and look into a lot of opportunities I would have never had the chance to. Looking back and now being in my final year, I can truly see how much this school has given me, the confidence to be here right now speaking with you, skills for my future and the lifelong friends I have made.
During my time at Pymble, I have had the incredible opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, many of which have shaped my passions and interests. From joining water polo and hockey teams, to being able to express myself in drama and the arts, each experience has played a vital role in my growth and the person I am today.
Being a part of sports teams has taught me the importance of teamwork, winning and losing, as well as dedication. My competitive spirit has very much grown being at Pymble, as has my dramatic side. Being involved in the creative and performing arts at Pymble has allowed me to explore to express myself in ways I never thought were possible, as well as explore my culture more deeply. Most recently, I have helped produce an artwork for the Conde Library’s Acknowledgement of Country, which is hung in the entrance way as a reminder of whose land we stand on.
The opportunity to engage in community service projects has also given me a sense of fulfilment and joy in giving back. In particular, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to go to Arnhem land and be immersed in Yolngu culture.
I sent this text to my parents the day we landed back in Sydney explaining the effect it had on me. It read:
“Probably the best thing I have ever heard was one of the Yolngu ladies explain how rich they are. She said being rich can mean all different things, and although most people think being rich or successful is having a lot of money, she said her vision of being successful is being where she is now. She is rich in health, family, knowledge and happiness. And so am I. I know most people would judge some of the houses they lived in, maybe even the lack of wealth they were surrounded by. But when I tell you, some of those people were the happiest people I have ever met, I would rather live like that any day. I couldn’t even tell you how jealous I was by the amount of knowledge they had, it makes me both happy and sad, as sometimes I wish mine and dad’s mob had more knowledge since most of it is lost, but it also makes me happy still knowing our culture as a whole isn’t lost. One of the Elders spoke about growth, growth in culture, growth in understanding… Aboriginal or not, we learn to keep that fire alive”.
This was without fault, a life-changing experience that I will remember forever. The pride I felt in my culture, my family and my First Nations sisters here with me today was and is immense.
My friends and fellow First Nations students at Pymble are my second family and the people who make my home away from home in Boarding. They’ve been there for me when I’ve been at my weakest and to celebrate my strengths. Many of us First Nations students have built a strong bond, based on shared experience and a deep sense of connection throughout our culture. They’ve all shown me the true meaning of sisterhood, teaching me that family is more than just blood. With them, they have created a place and school environment where I am loved, accepted, and cherished for who I truly am.
After I finish school, I want to study psychology at the University of Queensland. Understanding the human mind has always fascinated me, and I want to help people with their mental health. I also plan to travel and learn about different cultures, including my own. Overall, my goal is to make a positive impact and to know that I’ve made a difference, no matter how small.”
Jersey Day
Jersey Day is one of the most cherished days in our Boarding calendar as we remember our three beautiful Boarding sisters, Alanda Clark, Jane Gay and Prudence Papworth who tragically passed away when their plane crashed as they travelled home for the June long weekend in 1993. This special day of remembrance is an opportunity to remind us of the gift of Boarding and the ties that hold us together so closely.
You can learn more about Jersey Day by watching the following video which was produced last year in recognition of the 30-year anniversary of the girls’ passing.
Pymble comes to you
Please don’t forget, 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, the Boarders were lucky to pick up some last-minute tickets to watch the Waratahs play rugby at Allianz Stadium. They were also out in force on Saturday, showing their support for the First Nations Round of Sport. Despite the wet weather, all the sports events went ahead, and the Boarders relished the opportunity to support their sisters.
With the long weekend fast approaching, we are looking forward to lots of photos from the girls as many of them host friends and their Boarding sisters for the weekend.
View From My Window
My name is Annika, and I am a Year 9 Boarder in Marden House. I started at Pymble when I was in Year 7, coming from a small town called Moree which is home to about 7,000 people. Moree is located in north-west NSW about an hour or two away from the QLD border.
My parents, brother, dog Millie and I live in town. My dad works as a crop duster and is the funniest person I know, my mum works as an early intervention teacher and is so loving, and my brother Lachlan who is in Year 11 goes to Knox and is always there to cheer me up. When I look out my window I see a freshly mowed lawn thanks to my dad, who loves to keep it pristine, with kangaroos and Millie soaking up the sun.
Moree is known for its agriculture and being located right on top of the Artesian Basin giving us relaxing artesian hot pools. There is lots to like in Moree and the main things I miss when I am here at Pymble are my family and open spaces. I have found coming to Pymble exciting as it is fun to participate in all the amazing opportunities, we are able to access such as playing netball and participating in leadership opportunities, giving us the privilege to make a change and for our voices to be heard.
Coming to Boarding has had its challenges but I love having sleepovers every night, playing games with my friends at night and occasionally mucking up with my mates.
Boarder of the Week
It has been wonderful to welcome Amy back to Marden House and there is no one more deserving of Boarder of the Week this week. Amy arrived from Mudgee in 2022 and she had made our Boarding family so much richer just by being her.
Tenacious with a zest for life, Amy has grown and matured before our eyes. She approaches all that does with enthusiasm and a sense of fun. Amy is a fiercely loyal friend and looks out for those she cares about. In the boarding house, she is organised and keeps her room as her sanctuary.
This week, Amy presented a talk to her Boarding sisters about her five-year-old cousin Jack, who is battling neuroblastoma. She stood before her peers and implored them to help raise $500,000 to get Jack to the USA for potentially life-saving treatment. Not only this, she encouraged us all to lobby our local members to make this treatment available here at home to help families like theirs. Amy has also taken it upon herself to organise a sausage sizzle and cake stall to raise more funds next term.
To say we are proud of her is an understatement!
Let’s help Amy!
Please help support the Schofield family as they work together to raise funds to support young Jack in his battle against neuroblastoma.
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