From the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

Thank you for a wonderful year together. I can’t believe it’s the end of the school year! I am deeply proud of each of your daughters and the energy and effort they have brought to their learning this year.

On Friday, we let the girls know who their teacher will be in 2025. As you know this is a fantastic initiative led by Mrs Kate Giles, Head of Wellbeing, as we are aware that each year many of our girls worry about the change to a new teacher and the unknown can impact the final few weeks of your summer break. Letting the girls know at the end of the school year means they can relax and look forward to the summer holidays with the comfort of certainty about their new class for the new school year. I am delighted by the courage and open-mindedness shown by your girls as they opened their envelopes to see the ‘news’ of who their new teacher will be and to learn a couple of fun facts about that teacher.

There were many squeals of delight and excitement, with some natural apprehension, as the girls moved to new classrooms and spent time chatting with their new teacher. Some teachers who are joining our Junior School team next year were not able to attend (as they are still teaching at other schools) and these teachers are very much looking forward to getting to know your girls next year.

Please be assured that we take lots of care in forming the new classes and this is a long, careful process involving the teachers, Mrs Genia Wright as Learning Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Kate Giles, Head of Wellbeing and Mrs Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School Academics. Whilst change can be daunting, please trust us that your daughters have been placed thoughtfully into their 2025 classes, with a positive learning buddy, and with a teacher whom we think will continue to empower her personal growth.

We will now liaise with the JSPG Coordinators for 2025 to set up new communication groups for each grade and class.

Honouring Year 6

Last week we had the special celebration of our Year 6 cohort with their final Junior School chapel service and their showcase of learning. As part of the service, I offered the girls seven top tips to remember as they head towards the many new adventures that await them in Year 7:

Be present – Always remember that the journey is more important than the destination. Take the time to treasure small moments. Don’t waste time worrying what COULD happen. Give yourself the time to stop and just BE so you can truly enjoy each step of your journey.

Look closely – Keep noticing! Keep your eyes away from screens often enough to see the wonder in your world. Notice the smiles of potential new friends. Notice things which can spark your imagination, inspire new ideas and new opportunities.

Ask questions – Be curious, wonder, dream and question everything. Discover your own path. You are different to everyone else so create your own adventure.

Be brave – Take risks and try new things. Have a go at making friends with people like you, and people unlike you. Imagine the things you can learn and the adventures you can enjoy with new friendships if you have the courage to take the first step to make a new friend.

Make connections – Whatever you do and whatever you learn, notice new connections you can build. Enjoy the journey with the friends you make. Discover new skills, new strengths, new passions on your journey. Embrace each opportunity to make mistakes –all your mistakes are a chance to learn more.

Be kind – Never underestimate the power of a kind word to others OR to yourself. Every kind thing you say or do becomes a part of someone else or you. When you give happiness and kindness to others, you also gift it to yourself and shape yourself.

Be you – Always be true to yourself because you are enough. Always know there are people to talk to who will listen to you and support you. Never doubt your gut. If your instinct is telling you ‘no’ – back yourself and say no. Just always be yourself as you are all amazing just the way you are.

Farewell, Ms Davenport!

As we honour Year 6, we also honour Ms Emma Davenport who leaves Pymble and her role as Year 6 Coordinator at the end of this year to step into senior leadership as deputy head of a school in Wagga Wagga. We thank Ms Davenport for her years of service here in our Junior School and wish her every success and happiness as she begins her new role and new adventures in rural NSW.

A heartfelt thank you

I wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you to you all for the way you helped me honour my mum at our Celebrations of Learning and Speech Day. At 84 years old, Mum thinks this will be her final visit to Australia and as an educator for over 44 years, coming to our Celebrations of Learning and Speech Day meant so much to her. Your kindness in honouring her will be something I treasure always.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and many happy adventures over the summer holidays. For those who are travelling, travel safely and I look forward to hearing all the girls’ adventures when we come back together in 2025.

Thank you for your care, respect and kindness this year. It is a privilege to lead our Junior School and to partner with you all on your daughters’ learning journey.