From the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

Our girls are capable of anything they put their mind to. This week, I am proud to report on the many initiatives our girls are leading to bring ideas into action. It’s easy to forget the age of our girls when I hear or see them leading clubs and working together to share ideas and lead the change they want to see.

Last week, I was dazzled by our Year 6 girls who had worked over the last few weeks to research and prepare a formal pitch requesting the addition of a music app to their Wise Phones. Seven girls pitched to three members of the College Senior Executive team and were supported by an impressive research team; the girls spoke with confidence and conviction.

They were justifiably proud of the decision in their favour and Year 6 are now proving they are young women of their word as they work through the six-week trial period for these musical apps. Congratulations Year 6! I am very proud of the way you worked together and the maturity of your arguments and research presented in support of your case.

Leading change through our clubs and Student Leaders

Our Sustainability Captains are impressing us all with their determination to lead positive change as evidenced by this open letter, written by our 2025 Sustainability Leaders Harper Chen, Mia Farthing, Aurora Lin and Scarlett Qiu:

Composting

During Term 1, our focus was on composting. Each Sustainability Captain was provided with a bucket to collect fruit and vegetable scraps, which were then emptied into the compost bins at the end of the day. This initiative will continue into Term 2, with more compost bins installed throughout the Junior School playground to ensure food scraps aren’t filled to the brim.

Composting plays a vital role in enriching the soil and reducing methane emissions, which contribute significantly to environmental harm. These compost bins house earthworms that consume food scraps and produce nutrient-rich fertiliser, supporting plant growth. When food biodegrades in landfill, it releases methane, a gas far more harmful than carbon dioxide. By composting, we prevent these emissions and uphold a more sustainable Junior School environment.

Return and Earn

This term, our sustainability focus is recycling, with an emphasis on plastic waste. We are pleased to introduce the Return and Earn program to the Junior School. Recently, we had noticed a concerning number of discarded plastic bottles at Archie’s Café, many of which could have been recycled. Most of these bottles are eligible for a 10-cent refund at the local Return and Earn centres.

To support this initiative, a designated collection bucket has been placed outside Hedgehog House for students to deposit their plastic bottles. The funds generated through recycling will be donated to local charities, allowing our sustainability efforts to make a broader impact within the community.

Waste-Free Friday

Waste-Free Friday is an initiative introduced by the Sustainability Committee (and Year 3 Waste Free Warriors – Lucinda, Isla, Georgia & Georgie) to promote environmentally conscious habits among students. Every Friday, during Compass lunch, each class’ Sustainability Captain will record the number of non-recyclable or non-reusable items found in lunchboxes for crunch and sip, recess and lunch that day. At the beginning of the following week, the top classes with the least waste will be acknowledged in assembly.

This program aims to encourage a waste-free Junior School while fostering responsible consumption and sustainable habits.

We look forward to making our Junior School more sustainable with YOUR support.

Thank you!

Written by Harper, Mia, Aurora and Scarlett

Service challenge for our Junior School: Kindness and Care

Thank you to all of you for supporting your daughters in engaging in acts of service and care around the home and local community this term. I am proud to report that we have already completed 576 acts of service. I am extremely proud of the determination shown by our Term 2 Kindness Captains from Year 1 to 6 who are leading this initiative. Each week we will give an update as to the number of acts of service we have completed.

Putting ideas into action: an update from our SRC Leaders

As the Year 6 Student Representative Committee leaders this year, we are committed to empowering girls to have a say and share their voices within our Junior School community. From their suggestions, we have come up with a variety of new initiatives, including a pyjama day that would be a fundraiser for Bowden Brae (an aged-care centre) and extra handballs in our playground for recess and lunch.

We collaborated with the girls who visit Bowden Brae each fortnight. They noticed the piano there needed to be tuned so we have come together to raise money to tune the piano, by organising a pyjama day for the girls on Friday 6 June. Girls can wear their pyjamas that day with a gold coin donation.

Another idea that was brought up in our SRC meetings was extra handballs in the courtyard, which we implemented last week with a new box of handballs and tennis balls. Through listening to everyone’s suggestions, we can create a united Pymble community. As SRC Leaders, we aim to make every voice in the Junior School heard and respected, no matter how small.

Written by SRC Leaders Emma Feng, Emily Long, Sarah Lu and Loriah Zhang

A message from Mrs Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics

Mathematical Thinking: Building reasoning skills in our junior mathematicians

Thank you for the positive feedback on the Year 3 to 6 mathematics workshop as part of our parent series. As outlined in the presentation, we continue to drive a culture of strong proficient mathematicians in the Junior School focusing on mastery over memorisation.

To support our girls as junior mathematicians, in mathematics lessons across the Junior School there is a strong emphasis on Mathematical Thinking, an overarching outcome within the NSW Mathematics K–10 Syllabus 2024. This includes the vital skills of communicating, understanding and fluency, problem solving and reasoning.

When working mathematically, the girls develop their mathematical understanding and fluency by connecting mathematical concepts, applying mathematical strategies and techniques to solve problems, communicating their mathematical thinking and reasoning clearly. When the girls are working mathematically, it assists them to develop mathematical habits of mind.

In the classrooms, the girls are encouraged to explain their thinking, explore different strategies, and engage deeply with mathematical concepts, promoting resilience and confidence in their learning.

To extend the girls beyond the classroom they are provided opportunities to apply their mathematical knowledge to real world problems by participating in mathematical investigations. This includes the Mathematics Association of NSW Investigating with Mathematics competition where girls apply their mathematical understanding and thinking to real world problems through guided investigations. Girls also apply their mathematical understanding across other key learning areas such as Science, Geography and History.

“I love when we do problem-solving questions because it makes my brain work and it is fun.” – Stella (Year 2)

“I like to skip count because it is fun when we project our voice and we have all become better at counting.” – Evelyn (Year 2)

“I am very clever at using a number line and I can now put numbers in the right spot. Using a number line to find the difference between numbers is really interesting.” – Mira (Year 2)

“Learning to tell the time is fun because we get our own clocks and I can now tell the time better.” – Alycia (Year 2)

“I am more confident using language to explain how I think when adding numbers. I know to bridge and split into quantity values to find the answer.” – Charlie (Year 2)

“I like skip counting because it helps our brain think about numbers to help with other maths areas. I like it because I notice patterns with even and odd numbers.” – Lily (Year 2)

“When I come across a question that can’t be easily solved in my mind, I like to use methods as tools such as split and jump. However, in some Maths problems, some strategies might not work so it is better to always have a few strategies in the back of your mind. I also prefer having group discussions as my classmates’ ideas might make it easier to find a solution. Some methods that I use are splitting numbers in their place value, number lines and algorithms.” – Violet (Year 4)

“I think it’s really important to try different strategies in Maths. The more I know, the better I can choose the one that works best for each question. I enjoy it when problems have more than one possible answer because it gives me a chance to show my understanding in different ways. I’ve also noticed that finding patterns can help make tricky questions easier to solve.” – Yantong (Year 4)

“Have you ever wondered why Maths is exciting? Maths is exciting because you can explore and learn different ways to solve a question. You don’t have to use one way to solve a question, but what happens when you come across a hard and challenging question and you can’t solve it? The answer is not to quit! Instead, revisit different strategies in your mind and try one that can help solve the problem. If you can’t find the answer, try a new strategy. When you solve a question that is tricky, how would you feel? The answer is up to you. I feel happy and proud of myself because I have overcome my fear.” – Claire (Year 4)

“When I solve a question, I read the whole question first. I identify if there any patterns or relationships with the numbers. Then, I start to work out the solution. Another way I work mathematically is in a group. I like communicating and sharing answers verbally and completing investigations.” – Angela (Year 5)

“I believe that I work better by communicating answers with my friends because I get to learn different strategies and then I’m able to apply them when I come across another question that may be similar.” – Euphemia (Year 5)

Parents can support their daughter’s mathematical thinking at home by asking questions such as:

How did you work that out?
What are you using to help you solve the problem?
Why did you select that strategy?
Can you show me another way to solve it?
What did you find out about the different ways to find the solution?
Why do you think that answer makes sense?
What do you need to find out?
Is there a pattern or rule you can see?

Everyday activities can be mathematical experiences for your daughter including cooking or baking (measurement and time), shopping (budgeting, addition and subtraction with decimals, percentages) and travel (reading timetables, estimating time and distance). Reading picture books that focus on mathematical concepts and games such as Uno or sudoku to build mental computation are also wonderful opportunities to share with your daughter.

ICAS Assessments and Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

Information regarding ICAS Assessments and the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) will soon be available on the MyPymble parent portal. These optional competitions will be held before school for Years 3 to 6 in Term 3.

Pymble Junior School Weather Station

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Pymble Junior School Weather Station. As part of the Year 2 Science unit of work, the girls are now delivering daily weather reports to their peers. This hands on initiative supports learning in Science and Mathematics by enabling the girls to collect, interpret and communicate data.

Junior School Paper Plane Competition

We are excited to invite the girls to compete in the Junior School Paper Plane Competition, to be held at lunch in Week 4 from Monday to Wednesday. The girls can compete in two categories: paper planes constructed at school and those constructed at home. This week girls can construct their paper planes ready for the competition at recess and lunch in Hedgehog House or they can work with family members and construct their plane at home.

Northside Gifted and Talented Network

Pymble Ladies’ College Junior School is a member of the Northside Gifted and Talented Network (Northside G&T). This network provides opportunities for selected students to attend workshops at member schools across the school year. Northside G&T are hosting an evening with Dr Ruth Philips.

Parents are welcome to attend this information evening to listen to Dr Ruth Philips. For more information, please click here to view the flyer. If you would like further information, please email Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academic – lbird@pymblec.nsw.edu.au

A message from Mrs Martha Itzcovitz, Junior School Teacher Librarian 3-6

We had two wonderful author visits in the 3-6 Library last week.

Jacueline Harvey took Year 5 on an historical journey through the French revolution with tales of ghosts, mysteries and old chateauxs. Jacquelline gave us a glimpse into her inspiration process for her stories, including meeting the Crown Pince of Brunei!

Poet and author Joel McKerrow brought poetry alive, enthralling Year 6 (and the teachers!) with his poetry performance and stories of rapping with his band in Nashville. Did you know rap stands for rhythm and poetry? We didn’t! Joel also illustrated how poetry techniques can be used in prose to make our writing more interesting and showed us how inspiration can come from the most ordinary memory when we put ourselves inside it and ask what if?

A message from Mr Stephen Robinson (Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations)

K-2 Carline Zone – No Parking Area

Drivers in this area would have seen new signage that aims to keep the road restricted to a single lane of cars only near the drop off zone. We kindly as parents to not park in this single lane area but rather find a space to park on either side. The small inconvenience of walking means we can all keep this area safe for students with slow and controlled car movement in the area.

Leave From School

If you are planning to have your daughter take leave during the school term for two days or more, you must complete the Exemption from Attendance Application form in advance of the absence.

Please do not enter ‘holiday’ into the free-form response on the MyPymble App.

Uniform and Appearance

Thank you for showing respect to the College uniform policy with your daughter arriving to school in her full winter uniform for this term and Term 3.

All students are expected to wear their uniform correctly and with pride, which means the top button is done up and the tie is correctly fitted.
Uniforms cannot be mixed with each season. This includes no co-curricular jackets as the primary source of uniform. These can only be worn underneath the PE tracksuit on such days.
Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly labelled, including tunic belts and ties. We recommend white markers to be used to label dark clothing items.

Junior School Canteen Helpers

The Junior School Canteen will continue for Term 2 on Wednesday and Friday. Junior School allows students to purchase (through Flexischools) cold drinks and frozen desserts. Once your order is placed your daughter will have a brown paper bag, where she will go to the Junior School Canteen (lunch tub room) to collect her cold treat.

Please click here if you can volunteer your time. For the care and safety of your daughters, all volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). If we do not already have your WWCC on file, please email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au your WWCC number and date of birth so your WWCC can be verified.

Term 2 After-School Arrangements

Girls in Years 3 to 6 are responsible for remembering where they need to go after school each day. Please update your daughter’s diary with her Term 2 after-school arrangements to assist her to remember where to go each afternoon.

For girls in Kindergarten to Year 2, please email any changes for Term 2 to the Junior School office at juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and advise if this is a permanent or casual change to your daughter’s arrangements. Please note that it is important that any changes to travel arrangements are received prior to 2.00pm.

Girls with older sisters – Girls wait at the Junior School Library until their sister collects them by 3.30pm or at OSHC if they have a sister in the Senior School (bookings need to be made with OSHC for supervision purposes only, no charges will occur).

Year 6 Parent Daughter Dance – Ticket sales close tomorrow at 9.00am!

Year 6 parents are invited to the Year 6 Parent Daughter Dance on Saturday 24 May from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at the Killara Golf Club. This event is one of the most anticipated annual traditions in the Junior School, and is the final dance girls will have with their parents before moving on to the Secondary School.

The theme for this year’s dance is Florals and Sparkles, which will accentuate the beautiful aesthetics of the golf club surrounds. Please note, girls will need to be suitably dressed at this event as golf club etiquette dictates, and should refrain from wearing denim or ripped pants.

Please click here to order your tickets.

Date: Saturday 24 May

Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Venue: Killara Golf Club

Dress: Florals and Sparkles

Tickets: $65.00

Tickets include substantial canapés, soft drinks, dessert bar, DJ and entertainment. Additional beverages can be purchased at the bar.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you and your daughter on this special night!

Scholarship registrations open to current Year 5 students

Pymble offers a number of scholarships each year to girls starting in Year 7 including current Pymble students moving into Year 7. Registrations for Year 7 2027 Rosalie Ramsay Junior Academic Scholarship and Year 7 2027 Performance Scholarship – Music are currently open to our Year 5 students.

Registrations close from 23 July 2025 depending on the scholarship. The examination will be held at the College on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Information about portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found online through the Scholarship webpage.