From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
Looking after ourselves – learning to recognise and regulate our emotions
The highlight of my day is when I am able to connect with girls and their learning. This week I was lucky enough to chat with some Year 3 girls as they applied their knowledge of feelings to a creative task. The girls were considering how our feelings impact our behaviour and facial expressions. The girls were impressive in the way they could articulate how our actions impact others and how important it is to assume the best rather than the worst in situations and to express our regret when we make a mistake as we learn to regulate our emotions and reactions. I particularly loved the group who showed me their best ‘unhelpful’ and then ‘helpful’ facial expressions!
Looking after ourselves – learning to challenge our creativity
STEM Club continues to be a thriving hub of enthusiasm, creativity and collaboration at lunchtimes. This week our Junior School girls were thrilled to be joined by Olivia Chan (Year 7) who was one of our inaugural STEM Captains last year. Olivia gave up her lunchtime to come and teach our girls how to create confetti guns and there was lots of happy work as the girls created and tested their prototypes.
Learning collaboratively – Robotics and STEM learning in Shanghai
Last week Mr Brown and I were in Shanghai visiting a range of schools and STEM Centres and it was a fabulous opportunity to share learning ideas and experiences with globally focused educators. Whilst over there, we met with the current World Champions for VEX Robotics, STEMStar, whose leader and founder said how impressed he is with the way we approach Robotics learning at Pymble.
Through competitions he has noticed how we expect and empower our girls to do every aspect of the process themselves. This is well deserved recognition for the co-curricular Robotics program Mr Brown has established for our girls over the last 8 years. What is even more exciting is that this year Mr Brown is working with all our Kindergarten to Year 6 teachers to bring that learning into the classrooms too so it’s available to all our girls.
Please make sure you have our inaugural STEM Festival in your diary (Friday 28 June 2024), so you can come and enjoy the girls’ hard work and STEM passion on that day.
Looking after ourselves – learning to be active
Good luck to all our Cross Country girls who are competing at IPSHA Cross Country on Saturday morning. I will be out there with Mr Tyson to cheer you on.
Idea for a Junior School Dads’ Sport team – calling all Dads!
Percy Yang, one of our Junior School Parent Group (JSPG) Relationship Leaders and a current Junior School dad have had the brilliant idea of setting up a social Dad’s sports team. Please click on this link to express your interest in the sports suggested for this initiative. A huge shout out and thank you to Percy for bringing this idea to our Junior School community.
Mr Brown has indicated that whilst he’s not technically a Junior School Dad he is happy to come along and join the fun too and our daughter Sophie is very much part of the Junior School community as one of our OSHC educators and Year 1 Robotics mentor.
A message from Mr Stephen Robinson – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
Change of Date
Please be advised that tomorrow (Friday 5 April 2024) students are to wear their regular uniform, as the Wellbeing Day was moved to last week.
Lost Property
With the cooler months fast approaching, students are starting to wear layers of clothes. Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled. At present, the lost property room is over flowing with a range of hats, jackets and drink bottles. Students and parents can access this room before and after school.
A message from Mrs Kate Giles – Head of Wellbeing K-6
Parent Wellbeing Series
Due to added interest, we are holding a second session on ‘How to help your daughter with her emotions’. The session will be the same as the one held earlier this term and will focus on emotional regulation and how to help your daughter manage her emotions.
You will also hear from Heidi Lynch, Kindergarten Co-ordinator and Tracy Reid, Year 3 Co-ordinator about the programs used in the classroom. The session will be held on 9 May at 8.30am in the 3-6 Library. Please sign up by clicking here.
A message from Mrs Sarah Colquhoun – Teacher Librarian (Years 3 to 10)
Living Library 2024
As part of the 2024 Pymble Sharing Stories Festival, The Living Library event was held this week in the 3-6 Library. We were very fortunate to have parents and grandparents generously giving their time to ‘share stories with their hands’ in mini workshops.
Some of the techniques and creative skills showcased included saree wrapping, cake decorating, pipe cleaner craft, hanbok wearing, keychain making, eating with hands, hair braiding, paper doll dressing, calligraphy writing, t-shirt art and how to play traditional instruments. The Living Library provides an opportunity for our students to learn new information and skills from our storytellers – just like a non-fiction book that has come to life!
A message from Mr Kurt Schweinberger – Head of Creative and Performing Arts (K – 6)
Year 3 to 6 Junior School Music Ensemble Parents
We are delighted to invite parents to attend a series of open rehearsals. This is a special opportunity for you to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of our rehearsal room and to witness the dedication your daughter brings to her performances.
Your presence during these rehearsals is highly valued as it not only provides you with a deeper understanding of the artistic process but also demonstrates your support for your daughter’s musical endeavours. We believe that by experiencing the collaborative environment and witnessing the creative journey firsthand, you will gain a newfound appreciation for the hard work and commitment that goes into each performance.
To maintain the integrity of our rehearsal space and to respect the privacy of all involved, we kindly request that no video recording or photography be undertaken during the rehearsals.
Please find below the schedule for the open rehearsals. For the morning rehearsals, parents and family members are welcome to attend from the time they drop their daughter off for rehearsals. For all the afternoon rehearsals, parents and family members are welcome to attend for the last 30 minutes of the rehearsal.
Week 10
Thursday 11 April – Grainger Band (Big Rehearsal Room): 7.00am – 8.00am
Friday 5 April – Junior Jazz Band (Big Rehearsal Room): 7.00am – 8.00am
Week 11
Monday 8 April – Capella Choir (3 – 6 PA Room): 7.15 am – 8.00am
Monday 8 April – Brumby String Orchestra (Music Gallery): 3.45pm – 4.15pm
Tuesday 9 April – Junior School Choir (K – 2 PA Room): 7.20am – 8.00am
Tuesday 9 April – Stanhope Concert Band (Music Gallery): 3.45pm – 4.15pm
Wednesday 10 April – Hindson Chamber Strings (Music Gallery): 7.15am – 8.00am
Wednesday 10 April – Year 3 String Orchestra (Music Gallery): 3.45pm – 4.15pm
Thursday 11 April – Year 4 Training Band (Music Gallery): 3.45pm – 4.15pm
We sincerely hope you can join us for this enriching experience.
A message from Mrs Fiona McDermott – K-6 Co-curricular Co-ordinator
Co-Curricular Activities Term 2
Please note the following information regarding Co-Curricular activities:
· Term 1 Co-Curricular activities continue until the last day – Friday 12 April 2024
· Term 2 Co-Curricular activities start on the first day – Tuesday 30 April 2024
Holiday Programs
Click here to learn about our Tennis Holiday Program.
Information about our Swimming Holiday Program can be found by clicking here.
Around the Grounds
A message from Junior School Administration Office
Uniform and Appearance
All students are expected to wear their uniform correctly and with pride. Uniforms cannot be mixed with each season. Junior School has a strict ‘no hat no play policy’, please ensure your daughter has her bucket play hat at school every day. Please make sure that all your daughter’s uniform clothing item is named including socks and shoes. We recommend white markers to be used to label dark clothing items.
Please be aware that next term the girls will need to be in their Winter uniform from day 1.
K-2 Travel
Please continue to email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if your daughters travel changes for Term 2.
Term 1 2024 Key Dates
Saturday 6 April IPSHA Cross Country
Tuesday 9 April Years 5 to 12 End of Term Assembly, 1.20pm to 2.00 pm
Friday 12 April K-2 Decorate a Cookie and Easter Hat Parade
Friday 12 April Years 3 to 6 Skip Off
Friday 12 April Last day of Term 1
Tuesday 30 April First day of Term 2
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
*Final Call* – JSPG Easter Cookie Decorating for K to Year 2 – Friday 12 April
The JSPG is pleased to hold the Easter Cookie Decorating activity for Kindergarten to Year 2 this year. Each girl will receive two Easter cookies to decorate in class during the morning. The cookies are nut-free and made from natural ingredients. Icing, sprinkles and a small selection of lollies will be used to decorate each cookie. Gluten-free and vegan cookies are available on request.
Please register here by Friday 5 April for this fun activity on the last day of term!
*Save the Date* – PPA Year 4 Mother and Daughter Camp
Year 4 Mums, please save the date – Saturday 1 June to Sunday 2 June, overnight at Vision Valley. There will be lots of fun activities to do together. Don’t miss this special opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with our girls. Keep an eye on MyPymble for further details soon.
Please contact us with any questions or feedback at pymblelcjspg@gmail.com
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School