From the Boarding School
It has been a huge week of celebration and togetherness starting with our Boarder Parent Group meeting on Friday – the perfect opportunity to discuss all things Boarding. There was the added bonus for our Year 9 parents to meet with our Head of Upper School, Mrs Victoria Harrison, to discuss all things Vision Valley and exchange.
Our annual sojourn to Warrawee did not disappoint with our Boarders embracing all the fun of a live band. There was lots of singing and dancing and once again, the very gracious band, Press Club, encouraged the girls to join them on stage and perform. Many of our Boarder parents enjoyed dinner at Wahroonga before joining us at the event and they too made the most of the opportunity to ‘bust a move’ with their daughters.
Garden Party
I don’t think it is a secret that Garden Party is my favourite day on the College calendar and this year was another fabulous occasion. It was nice to be back in the ‘thick of things’ on the flagstones outside the Hall with a lovely spot to catch up with current and past families. A laden produce stall, the fabulous Hillbilly Cider Bar and gourmet pork rolls all helped to ensure the Boarder Produce stall was a must visit on the day.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing Edwina Beveridge who co-ordinated the Boarders’ stall. Edwina worked tirelessly with her committee of Edwina Payne, Tessa McLaughlin, Kirsty Pockley, Sharon Maslin and Tara Taubenschlag to ensure the day was a huge hit. Thank you to all of you who contributed in so many special ways. It was a fabulous effort and even better to know that all profits will go to the Boarder Parent Scholarship Fund.
Farewell Year 12
On Tuesday night it was our Boarders chance to farewell their Year 12 sisters. Rev Danielle put together a beautiful service to appropriately honour these special girls and many of our Boarders participated to give them a wonderful send off. There were tears – happy, sad and nostalgic – and I am sure this will be a cherished memory for our 2024 Year 12s.
The service was followed by a delicious and very stylish dinner by Chartwells. With a menu filled with Boarder favourites and a beautifully decorated Boarders’ Dining Room, it was the perfect end to a special evening.
Celebrating with our families
Tonight we celebrate our Year 12 Boarders with their parents and it promises to be a fabulous night of reminiscing and acknowledging the wonderful contributions of these special young women. They are a great bunch of Boarders, kind, fun loving and hard working and I am incredibly grateful to our families who have entrusted them to our care. I look forward to sharing some happy snaps with you next term. For now, we wish them well as they prepare for their final examinations and head off on their next adventure.
The Brooksie Award
The Margaret Brooke Award, also known as ‘The Brooksie’, is awarded to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman.
This term I am delighted to announce Imogen (Immie) of Year 12 as our deeply deserving recipient.
Immie has been a delight ever since first arriving in Boarding in Year 8. She was quick to make friends and inspired us all with her daily yoga routine. She continues to lead by example, wearing her uniform with pride and keeping an immaculate room.
Immie is courageous and tenacious, most recently she has researched and applied for alternate entry schemes for university and continued to give her all across each of her subjects. She is a much-loved housemate, with a fabulous sense of humour. Immie is always willing to step up and not afraid to put herself ‘out there’. Her individual piece for HSC drama had the entire audience in stitches.
Just like our Brooksie, Immie juggles a multitude of activities, she has conquered no less than three major works, two for Drama and one for Visual Arts. The latter was a beautiful depiction of the stories held within the heritage of the boarding houses and the strings that tie the community together. Immie also works in the OSHC Centre, plays hockey and water polo and is an active member of our Boarding family. She likes to give back and shares her many talents generously whether it be producing videos, acknowledging country or public speaking.
In the five years that I have known Immie, she has left me with a smile following every encounter, she is kind, inclusive and joy to be around. She embodies the Boarder spirit and a most fitting recipient of the Brooksie award. Congratulations Immie!
Eat Like a Boarder
We would love you to join us for dinner on Monday 14 October at 6.00pm, when you return your girls from the term break. This will be the ‘real’ experience, with you being able to enjoy the regular dinner service, just as the girls do each evening. If you would like to join us, please rsvp to boarding@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au no later than Monday 30 September.
Save the Date
26 September – Year 12 Boarder and Parents’ celebration event (Year 12 Boarders and parents only)
27 September – Year 11 and 12 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day
Term 4
14 October – Boarders return from 2.00pm
18 October – Boarding lockdown and evacuation drill (all Boarders required to be in attendance)
Term 4 TBA – Mother Daughter Lunch
4 December – Year 7 to 10 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding