From the Boarding School
If you enjoyed the long weekend, just imagine how special it was for our Boarders, many of whom were returning home for the first time in at least six weeks. As an extra treat, many of our Boarders took their day-girl friends along with them, enjoying their chance to return the hospitality that so many of our families show to them during the term time. As you will read below, Year 11 Boarder, Sybella, took this opportunity, and a fabulous time was had by all.
Last weekend, I took two of my day girl friends, Carine and Gemma, to my home in Tambar Springs, a small rural village in the Gunnedah shire. Starting with a six-hour train ride, we were all ready to spend time in the company of family, friends and much-loved pets. At the end of a long day, we were very glad to see my big sister who picked us up and took us for dinner at the Tambar pub, which was very busy with locals celebrating the long weekend with raffle tickets and lots of prizes.
The next day we spent time exploring my farm and meeting all 18 farm cats as well as our new border collie, Freya, and the goats. My friends met my little niece, Natalie, who was probably on a sugar high until it was her bedtime, when she started rubbing her eyes, then tricking us, by saying boo and giggling. She has also learnt the meaning of ‘no’ and won’t stop saying it! We finished the night watching an action movie, during which Dad fell asleep.
The following day, we made a big brekkie meal on the BBQ and a side of pancakes, then went over to our new farmhouse and spent most of our time playing pool and avoiding the basement/cellar. This was followed by a late lunch outside near the pit fire for a while, helping Mum make dinner for everyone, while also babysitting Natalie.
We spent the next morning over at Gran’s house, sitting by the heating and talking about school, and the holidays, while listening to Gran’s ABBA album DVD on her old radio player. I showed my day girl friends how to drive side-by-side, and they had a fun and scary time on it. Later, we had a chill and relaxing afternoon inside playing on the old Wii near the fireplace, snacking on cheese and crackers, with a surprise of Natalie and her sassy attitude.
On Monday morning, we said goodbye to everyone and spent a supposed five-hour drive, but it turned into an 8-hour drive because of traffic and a surprise along the way, seeing a former Boarder, Mia!
Pymble Heads South
Just a reminder, in Griffith on 19 June and Wagga Wagga on 21 and 22 June at the Boarding Schools Expo. If you are in the area, we would love you to call in and say hello. Better still, if you’d like to catch up on one of the evenings, let us know!
Love It Ms Theresa Mimmo, Deputy Director of Boarding
As we head into the end of term, our Boarders are keen to make the most of the weekend. Please see below just some of the fun that is offered this weekend.
Friday afternoon – Boarders Get Giving
Friday evening – enjoy the Year 11 Drama production of Scenes from the Climate Era by David Finnigan here onsite or for our Year 9s, pizza night in Goodlet House
Saturday – an afternoon of flipping and jumping at Flipout
Sunday – an afternoon at the NRL – Rabbitohs versus Bulldogs
View From My Window
Hi, my name is Quinn, and I joined Pymble last year as a Year 7 Boarder. I was born and raised in Scone, NSW, which is three hours’ drive north-west of Sydney. I live on a cattle farm 20 minutes outside of Scone with my Mum, my dad, my brother, Parker (12) and my sister, Lizzie (10). I also have a three-year-old black Labrador named Lulu, a bunny named Solo, a few chickens, guinea fowl (who are meant to guard the chickens) and four gorgeous horses.
When I look out my window in the springtime, I see beautiful white blossoms that are so delicate they look like they’ve been topped with snow. I see my Mum’s flower beds, which are full of life and colour; I see my horses galloping in the paddock; and I see the edge of my pool, which my family love to use in the warmer weather. I also frequently see my siblings giggling and playing outside.
We live on a mountain which gives us the most incredible sunrises and sunsets throughout the year. I love the smell of the fresh countryside, and I love gazing at the stars on clear nights. Because we live just outside of Scone, we can also see the lights of the town twinkling at night.
My Dad works on our cattle station throughout the year, and every once and a while my siblings and I will give a hand in the yards or out mustering. We breed Hereford cows, which are brown and white, and are particularly good for their meat. It’s a fulfilling industry which my dad has been part of all his life.
I have loved the opportunity to be a Boarder here at Pymble and getting to know all my Boarding sisters. I loved living in Avonmore last year and now I am in Goodlet and excited to continue the rest of my education with every opportunity here. As much as I love the city, though, I will always love coming home to the clean, crisp country air and my Mum’s incredible home-cooked meals.
Boarder of the Week
Congratulations to Sahara, our Boarder of the Week, who, as Anne Graham, our Head of Lang House, shares below, has been a wonderful addition to our Boarding family.
Sahara is a passionate young woman with a deep love of her cultural heritage. Through her dance, which she has embraced with pride, she performs with vibrant energy, sharing her emotion with others through intense movement and expression, particularly recently during her performances for National Reconciliation Week. Beyond her artistic abilities, Sahara exudes a sense of calm although she can often display a fun, dry sense of humour which keeps everyone on their toes. She radiates a positive energy and displays interaction with kindness, ready to offer support. Sahara is always approachable and responds to staff with respect and understanding of circumstances.
Save the Date
19 June Boarding Schools Expo, Griffith
20-21 June Boarding Schools Expo, Wagga Wagga
Wednesday 25 June Boarders’ End of Term Chapel Service – note adjusted dated
Friday 27 June End of Term 2 Boarders’ Travel Day*
Monday 21 July Boarders return from 2.00pm for the start of Term 3
** All Boarders to be collected by 4.00pm.
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding