From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
Tomorrow we celebrate International Women’s Day and this year the United Nation’s IWD Australia theme is ‘March Forward’. This year we recognise 30 years since the United Nation’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for achieving gender equality.
Although significant advances have been made since 1995, millions of girls and women still face systemic inequalities and economic hardships which make it harder for them to reach their full potential or realise their dreams. Our girls are so fortunate to live the lives they do and to have the support to pursue dreams and goals they choose to set for themselves. In our Year 3 to 6 assembly this week we asked our girls to share their hopes and dreams for their future which include:
I hope in my future our world will value diversity whether you are a boy or a girl, different race or have different hobbies or interest. – Riya (Year 5)
I hope that everyone sees how crucial respect and equality are in the future. – Hannah L (Year 6)
I hope that there is love everywhere. – Kim (Year 3)
I hope that in the future everyone realises that fights and wars leave no victors, just hurt feelings and bruises. – Mia (Year 6)
I hope that everyone will be included and see. – Vanessa (Year 6)
I hope that we can leave the world better than when we found it. – Katherine (Year 3)
My hope for the future is for all people to treat others the same way they want to be treated. – Amelia (Year 4)
I hope that the kindness of people is not taken over by robots. – Izzy (Year 3)
I hope in the future there will be no more poverty. – Claire (Year 4)
My hope for the future is that climate change will be fixed and everyone will be equal. – Sienna (Year 5)
It’s important our girls understand, in an age-appropriate way, how lucky they are and how they, as global citizens, have a social responsibility to advocate for other girls who are marginalised, disadvantaged or voiceless. Throughout the week the girls have explored different activities purposefully designed by the United Nations to help grow a more equitable world for all to share.
Year 3 discussed a wide range of inspirational women through a game of bingo and discussed the many inspirational women in their lives as they explored what International Women’s Day meant. Year 4 discussed the language around International Women’s Day and what equality and empowerment meant. They shared inspirational female role models and when they themselves feel empowered and looked to the future that they want to be a part of.
I feel strong and empowered when I am playing competitive sport. – Siena
The future I want is one where we live the school motto. We will change the world. – Mackenzie
The future I want to see is where men and women get paid the same for the same roles. – Annabelle
Year 5 have been discussing areas of inequality that they see and some actionable steps that they can take to help change this, including speaking up, supporting friends and encouraging others. They have discussed women who inspire them and shared how these women exemplify the ‘March Forward’ theme of International Women’s Day.
Taylor Swift is an inspirational woman to me because she believes in herself and shows how important it is to stand up for yourself. – Aden
Simone Biles is a significant inspiration to me as she is a fabulous gymnast, which is my passion too. – Celine
Cathy Freeman is an inspiration to me as she is incredibly fast and I like running. – Mikayla
Thank you!
I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of you who were able to send in your hopes and dreams for your daughters. We have woven these into these special videos which we are sharing over the next few weeks with our girls. Your messages are so empowering and will mean so much to the girls as they see and hear them.
Building sisterhood
An important way to empower girls and women is through fostering strong networks and a sense of sisterhood. Last Friday, we launched our first buddy sessions of the year. Kindergarten are buddied with Year 2 and they enjoyed a very special quiet chat, reading a card made by the Year 2 girls and even some shared singing.
Year 1 are buddied with Year 4 and they enjoyed getting to know each other by reading some of their favourite stories together. The girls also connected by asking each other questions before decorating and creating some paper chains to link the grades through their common interests and passions.
Year 3 are buddied with Year 6 and they had the most glorious time as play engineers and entrepreneurs designing and making their own resources and games from loose parts in our valley playground. The girls connected through a range of activities they led themselves and there was a wonderful buzz of energy and creativity as they worked together and built cars, slides, swings, camp sites and even a cardboard prison!
Year 5 are buddied with Year 11. We do this so that when they are in Year 6 and Year 12 they are supportive of one another in their respective leadership roles and journeys. Year 5 will enjoy their first buddy session in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to our swimmers and divers
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of going out to cheer on our IPSHA swimmers and divers who competed with such Pymble pride and courage in all their events. Congratulations to all who represented our Junior School and for the way you brought your best effort and such amazing team spirit to the competition.
Congratulations to these divers who qualified for Junior CIS as below:
Zara Ware (Year 66) 1st in Open Platform
Amélie Berg (Year 6) 2nd in Open Platform
Freya Holland (Year 5) 3rd in Open Platform
Isla Merritt (Year 2) 3rd in 8 years Springboard
Makayla Cui (Year 3) 2nd in 9 years Springboard
Ariana Brandner (Year 4) 4th in 9 years Springboard
Audrey Conn (Year 4) 2nd in 10 years Springboard
Amelie Berg (Year 6) 2nd in 11 years Springboard
Freya Holland (Year 5) 3rd in 11 years Springboard
Jasmine Smith (Year 5) 5th in 11 years Springboard
Zara Ware (Year 6) 1st in 12 years Springboard
Nouvelle Nicholson (Year 6) 2nd in 12 years Springboard
Annabel Ahlenstiel (Year 6) 3rd in 12 years Springboard
Clean Up Australia Day
We are very proud of the girls and families who turned up to support Clean up Australia Day at St Ives Village Green on Sunday.
Thank you to all these girls who represented our Junior School and our hope for a cleaner, greener world at this event: Mia Farthing, Beatrix Lo, Katelyn Ormes, Ling Qi, Margot Gutkin, Sophie Ren, Harper Chen, Eugenia Lo, Georgia Farthing, Scarlett Xiong, Scarlett Qiu, Aurora Lin and Heidi the Hedgehog.
A message from our Formula Goblin team – Future Force Racers
Please watch the video of thanks from our Formula Goblin team for the phenomenal support and sisterhood they have felt from the Junior School last week. The fundraising effort produced an amazing $2,400 which will cover the costs of safety equipment (helmets, race gear) for our 4 drivers and meet the cost of bodywork for the car which our Design team worked hard on over the weekend.
We hope to have the first official launch and ‘test drive’ of the car as a racing car on Saturday 22 March.
A message from Mrs Lara Bird – Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
This term, the girls are working with their teachers to develop an academic goal that they will actively work towards, applying teacher feedback to make meaningful progress. For our younger girls, academic goals may be displayed in the classroom and for our older students they have written their goal in the College diary on page 40. Once a goal has been achieved the girls will reflect upon their progress and journey and develop a new academic goal to continue to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
Academic Discussions
Academic discussions will be held on Monday 17 March to Wednesday 19 March for parents who wish to meet with their daughter’s Compass teacher. Interviews will take place on campus on Monday 17 March and Tuesday 18 March. On Wednesday 19 March interviews are online via Microsoft Teams.
Parents have been sent an email from Edval with login details and instructions on how to book.
If you did not receive an email to book a discussion, please contact Alana Hooper, Junior School Administration Co-ordinator ahooper@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
A message from Mr Stephen Robinson – Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
Grandview Street
A reminder to all parents that students in Years 3 to 6 (along with those who have siblings in Years 1 and 2) can be dropped to the Grandview Street ‘Kiss & Ride’ zone at Pymble Station in the morning. We have staff who wait with students between 7.40am and 7.55am before walking with the group to the Junior School.
This alternate drop off zone is an option for families that live in the vicinity and is part of the College’s commitment to minimising traffic congestion.
Traffic Management on Campus
Thank you to parents who have worked with us to improve our traffic management, both in the morning and afternoon. At all times we plan to strike a balance efficiency for car users and safety for students.
We kindly ask parents to observe our speed limits and remain patient during peak times. It is also important to keep areas clear of cars when drop-off/collection points are not in use.
Living Library Storytellers and Mini-Workshops – Expressions of Interest
Our Junior School is once again holding our popular Living Library event as part of the College’s Sharing Stories Festival as well as throughout the year.
We’re inviting families in our Pymble community to “tell a story with their hands” and share what they can make or do in mini-workshops for our Junior School girls.
We are looking for participants who have an interest/hobby that can be demonstrated to our girls in a mini 30-minute workshop.
This could look like calligraphy, how to wear a hanbok/sari/kilt, how to braid hair, how to knit or do calligraphy, to mention a few.
We are looking for a diversity of participants from our Pymble families so that we can showcase the richness of the cultures within our community.
To register your interest, please click here.
A message from the Junior School Administration Office
A reminder to ensure your contact details and emergency contact details for your daughter are up to date on MyPymble. Click here to view the MyPymble User Guide.
Through the portal you can also:
- lodge your daughter’s absence ( for two days or more please complete the Exemption from Attendance form)
- update medical details
Term 1 Key Dates (Week 7)
Monday 10 March – Year 6 OEP Group 1
Tuesday 11 March – Year 6 OEP Group 1
Wednesday 12 March – Year 6 OEP Group 1 and Group 2
Wednesday 12 March – NAPLAN: Writing (Years 3 and 5)
Thursday 13 March – Year 6 OEP Group 2
Thursday 13 March – NAPLAN: Reading and Conventions of Language (Years 3 and 5)
Friday 14 March – Year 6 OEP Group 2
Friday 14 March – NAPLAN: Numeracy (Years 3 and 5)
Saturday 15 March – Year 4 Mother Daughter Camp
Sunday 16 March – Year 4 Mother Daughter Camp
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
Year 2 EPIC Playdate!
📅 Date: Sunday 16 March
⏰ Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
📍 Location: Wahroonga Park (Coonanbarra Rd, Wahroonga)
All Year 2 families are invited to a fun and casual playdate where kids can play, and parents can connect.
🧺 Bring: A picnic rug and some snacks to share.
A great opportunity to meet and enjoy the afternoon together!
Year 3 Mums’ Night Out!
📅 Date: Friday 21 March
⏰ Time: 6.30pm
📍 Location: Jacaranda Restaurant & Bar, 480 Pacific Hwy, Killara NSW 2071
📢 RSVP via QR code by midday Friday 14 March
Cheers to an amazing group of mums! 🍸
Save the Date: Kindy Easter Egg Hunt
Hop on over for some Easter fun!
📅 Sunday 23 March
📍 Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Please see the flyer for details and RSVP to your Year Co-ordinators.
Pedal Your Own Smoothie – Day 1
📅 Date: Tuesday 25 March
⏰ Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
📍 Location: John Reid Hall
📝 Details:
• Hosted by the JSPG
• Years 3 to 5 will participate in making pedal-powered smoothies to promote healthy living and sustainability.
🔗 [Register Here] | [Parent Helper Sign-Up]
Pedal Your Own Smoothie – Day 2
📅 Date: Wednesday, 26 March 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: John Reid Hall
📝 Details:
• Hosted by the JSPG
• Years 2 and 6 will participate in making pedal-powered smoothies to promote healthy living and sustainability.
• 💚 Funds raised will support the Formula Goblin racing team in preparation for upcoming competitions.
🔗 [Register Here] | [Parent Helper Sign-Up]
🥤 Smoothie Options:
1. Dairy-free berry smoothie (apple juice, banana, strawberries, ice)
2. Banana smoothie (milk, banana, honey, ice)💰 Cost: $8.00
📌 Register by: Sunday 23 March
📩 Contact:
• Selina Kadeer – selina_kadeer@hotmail.com
• Archana Singh – archana@eca.edu.au
Easter Cookie Decorating (Kindergarten to Year 2)
📅 Date: Friday 11 April
📍 Location: In-class activity (Kindy to Year 2)
📝 Details:
• Easter Cookie Decorating activity for students.
• Each student will receive two nut-free cookies with icing, sprinkles, and a small selection of lollies to decorate in class.
• Gluten-free and vegan options available on request.
• If a student cannot participate, they may bring a treat from home.
💰 Cost: $10
📌 RSVP by: Friday, 4 April 2025
📩 Enquiries: Dee Mathur – deeviya.mathur@gmail.com
🔗 [Click Here to Register] | [Parent Helper Signup]
Easter Cookie Decorating (Year 3 to 6)
📅 Date: Friday, 11 April 2025 (Final day of Term 1)
📍 Collection Location: Hedgehog House
📝 Details:
• A Take-Away Easter Cookie Decorating activity for Years 3 to 6.
• Each student receives two nut-free cookies with icing and sprinkles for decoration at home.
• Gluten-free and vegan options available on request.
💰 Cost: $10
📌 Register by: Thursday, 3 April 2025
📩 Enquiries: Dee Mathur – deeviya.mathur@gmail.com
Year 3 to 6 Market Stall Opportunity
At this week’s assembly, it was announced that students will have the chance to host a market stall at the start of Term 2. This event, which was originally planned for Term 1, will now provide students with more time to prepare.
The stall theme is linked to a world culture that the student identifies with or is interested in. Students can participate individually or in small groups (up to 5).
To participate, students need parent permission, as the cost to produce items will be at their own expense. All proceeds from the sales (items priced at $1 or $2) will be donated to the Junior School charity, The Dish.
If your child is interested, please complete the permission form. More details will be shared closer to the event.
This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their cultural identity and entrepreneurial skills.
Please contact us with any questions at pymblelcjspg@gmail.com
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School