From the Boarding School
With just a week to go for our Boarders it is time to celebrate the many joys of Term 1, and our end-of-term chapel service was the perfect opportunity. As always, Reverend Danielle, along with our Spirit House Captains, prepared a thoughtful and enjoyable service. It was extra special to have performances from Year 10 Boarder Xyla and Year 9 Boarder Larissa. The service was followed by a delicious formal dinner, prepared with love by our Chartwells team.
Farewell to two much-loved staff members
While Tuesday night was a lovely celebration of the term that was, it was also an opportunity to say farewell to two much-loved house staff.
Our Deputy Head of Marden House, Mardi Cusack, is retiring after 13 years of dedicated service to Pymble Boarding. Mardi is loved and admired for her kindness, wisdom, pragmatism and deep care for our Boarders. When I first met her, Mardi was a regular on the weekend and it was a huge comfort to know that Mardi was the last one to turn the lights out in Marden House each Friday and Saturday night. Taking on the bigger role of Deputy Head of House, Mardi has consistently ensured a safe, happy and prosperous environment for the young women of Marden House. She takes great joy and pride in our Boarders – sending them off to school with a smile and welcoming them ‘home’ at the end each day with open arms. Going over and above on every occasion, Mardi will be deeply missed.
Beth Ayling, Head of Year (Boarding) who joined us at Pymble just over three years ago, has etched her way into the hearts of our Boarders. The perfect foil for Mardi, Beth brought her own brand of magic and sparkle to Marden House. She is kind, efficient and completely ‘gets’ our Marden girls. In turn, the girls seek out Beth for her wisdom, encouragement and fashion tips! With a beautiful way with words, Beth always keeps families well informed and writes about her much loved Boarders with deep care. Beth came with the added bonus of her lovely family – husband Ben and gorgeous children Louis, Jimmy and Billie. They too have won their way into our hearts.
As a duo, Beth and Mardi have been the perfect mix of fun and practicality with a never-ending dose of unconditional love. As you will read in the words written by our Boarders, they will be deeply missed. Both of these strong and wise women leave very big shoes to fill and an indelible impression on our hearts.
The Margaret Brooke 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. We have definitely ‘nailed it’ with our choice for this term, the wonderful Sally Payne.
Sally truly embraces the College values and does so with a sense of grace and humility, never seeking attention or recognition. Instead, she quietly supports those around her, expecting nothing in return. Her presence is calming, and she treats everyone with respect and kindness.
Sally is altruistic and compassionate, sharing her many talents generously. She takes time every night to knit squares for Wrap with Love, a charity that delivers blankets to needy countries, some experiencing extreme poverty, natural disasters and war. Earlier this week, in a trademark move, Sally arrived in the office with a beanie she had crocheted for one of our Boarders who is shaving her head for the Greatest Shave. Pragmatic as always, her only comment was “I think she will need it”.
Sally was a wonderful support last term, volunteering to sketch our newest Boarding House, Avonmoore, this sketch was then used to make a Christmas Decoration for the 2024 crew. She was willing and engaged in helping to create a very special memento. Sally also has a green thumb, keeping house plants happy and nursing less fortunate plants back to their former glory. Our orchids love Sally!
Like our own Brooksie, Sally shows genuine interest in the people around her. She asks thoughtful questions and makes others feel valued. Sally is a warm and friendly presence, always ready for a chat with a cup of tea in hand. Interacting with Boarders across all year groups, she is approachable and kind, often sought out for advice or a bit of encouragement.
Sally demonstrates respect in all that she does. A true young Pymble woman, she wears her uniform with pride, greats everyone with a smile, helps out around the house and is always on time. Her room is a true haven, and a functional space where Sally dedicates herself to her studies. She is an exemplary role model for our community and a very well deserving recipient of the Margaret Brooke Award.
2025 Rowing National Championships
Congratulations to our rowers who represented Pymble so fabulously at the national championships in Tasmania. Congratulations to our First VIII who placed fourth in their race and the Intermediate VIII who were rewarded with a gold medal. These are such great results, and it was wonderful to see our Boarders, Summer and Leander (First VIII) and Erin and Allegra (Intermediate VIII) contributing so wholeheartedly to their crews.
A special weekend for our Year 12 parents
On Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March, Year 12 parents enjoyed our very first Year 12 Day and Boarding Parents Regional Weekend in Orange. As you will read in Gemma’s recount, it was a huge hit and everyone was grateful to the organising committee of Gemma Suttor, Edwina Beveridge and Charlotte Johnston.
The weekend began on Friday night at the Bella Vista Bar within the Oriana Hotel, where the Year 12 parents gathered to kick off the festivities. The ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead. All loved the local wines and delicious finger food. Lucky door prizes, including local wines and gift vouchers to various premier boutiques in Orange, were highly sought after.
Saturday morning offered free time for everyone to explore Orange at their leisure. Some chose to wander through the quaint streets, discovering local shops and cafes, while others opted for a more relaxed morning at the hotel.
As noon approached, we convened for a long and leisurely lunch at Rowlee Wines. The vineyard’s picturesque setting and exquisite wines made for a delightful afternoon, filled with laughter, storytelling and the forging of stronger friendships.
The day concluded at the Canobolas Hotel, where the atmosphere in the beer garden was lively, filled with parents celebrating new and existing friendships in their daughter’s final year of school.
Thanks to Juls Jackson from Orange VIP for her expert guidance in organising this event, which we hope will remain an annual fixture in the Pymble calendar.
Live It, Love It, Learn It – Ms Theresa Mimmo, Deputy Director of Boarding
We had a quieter weekend across the Boarding houses last weekend. Year 10 enjoyed their picnic at Mona Vale, the earlier sunset signalling that we are heading into cooler months. We sent a bus of Boarders to support our Pymble 1 AFL team on Friday night, with the girls unfortunately just missing out on a place in the grand final.
With lots of rain on Saturday, two bus loads of Boarders headed to the movies to watch the classic Snow White. To remind us of the upcoming Easter holidays the interior of most houses were framed with Easter decorations.
Save the Date
Thursday 10 April – Face to Face Learning Discussions for Boarding Families (Years 8 to 10)
Friday 11 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Monday 28 April – Boarders return from 2.00pm
Monday 28 April – Eat Like a Boarder (6.00pm)
Wednesday 30 April – Learning Discussions for Year 7
Friday 2 May – Boarders’ Lockdown and Evacuation Drill*
Friday 2 May – Years 7, 8 and 9 Boarders’ Social
Saturday 3 May – Boarders’ Community Evening (5.00pm*)
Sunday 4 May – Pymble and Gordon Uniting Church and Boarders’ Combined Chapel Service (9.00am to 11.30am*)
Sunday 1 June – Boarders’ Colour Run (10.00am and 3.00pm*)
* All Boarders required to be in attendance, no leave during this time.
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding