From the Middle School

This week, Year 7 had the opportunity to attend the Mind-Body-Spirit and Surf Safety Day at Collaroy Beach. This was a great way to celebrate what has been a huge year for the girls. Taking time out of routines to explore the beautiful coastline and reflect on all that has been achieved was a welcome change. Despite the inclement weather, the girls were fantastic getting involved in the learn to surf lessons and playing beach cricket. Below, I have shared some photos of the day and student thoughts below.

On Tuesday, Year 7 visited Collaroy Beach. Despite the heavy rain greeting us upon arrival, we quickly organised into two groups to begin the activities. I was assigned to change into swimmers and wear a rash top provided for safety.

We gathered and sat on the sand as the instructor introduced essential beach safety, including the meaning of different flag colours, how to spot dangerous rip currents, and the basics of surfing. With coaches positioned in the ocean, one by one, we took turns riding the waves. They gently pushed us forward, and we attempted to stand up on our surfboards – it was very challenging. The next activity was my favourite, boogie boarding. We jumped into the waves, and they washed us back to shore. The last activity was a scenic walk to the top of the hill. There was an amazing view of Australia’s coastline and the beach.

Written by Fiona Chen and Cordelia Curtain

The Year 7 wellbeing day was truly an amazing experience, even with some rain the day was a great break from the amazing but busy days at Pymble. There were so many smiles and laughs throughout the day and was overall a day of bonding between friends. The day started with a walk to the Long Reef Point lookout which was beautiful with stunning views at the top. Next, my personal favourite part of the day was the surf lessons with Manly Surf School, these lessons included the staff teaching us about the ocean followed by a lesson on how to surf. Each girl got a chance to catch a few waves. This was many girls first time surfing, and everyone had a lot of fun doing this activity. I think speaking on behalf for all of Year 7, this wellbeing day was so exciting and was a great way to end our first year in high school. The memories made on this wellbeing day are so special and Year 7 are appreciative of this experience.

Written by Ava Welton

On Tuesday, the teachers took us to the beach and out to Long Reef, and it was so much fun! We got to surf, go on a walk, chat, and catch up with friends. As everyone started arriving at school, I could see the buses driving up, ready to pick us up. The bus ride was so much fun! You could hear girls singing, talking, and laughing loudly. As the bus arrived at the beach, it started to rain and become cold. The weather wasn’t on our side, yet we still had an amazing time. Luckily, after lunch, the weather cleared up, and it became a gorgeous day. After surfing, we all got dressed, had recess, and started getting ready for the walk. I was with the most positive and happy group of people, and we saw the most beautiful views, like dolphins, whales, and the ocean. The sunburns and sandy hair were all worth it. Looking back, I realise how lucky we are to be able to do this with everyone. It was a great opportunity to talk to new people, make new connections, and meet people you may not have met before. It was one of the best days I’ve had at school, and I can’t wait to do something like that again!

Written by Madeleine Birrell

On Tuesday, Year 7 went on their Mind-Body-Spirit Day at Collaroy Beach. The weather didn’t look that promising as we left school at the start day, it was very cold and rainy, but there was still a lot of laughter, fun and energy on the bus ride there.

Once we arrived, various stations were set up – boogie boarding, surf education, surfing and hiking.

My group started off with the boogie boarding – it was so much fun in the water, catching waves and getting dunked by the waves and we forgot all about the rain and cold.

Next up, we went to the surf education station where they taught us what to do if we were caught in a rip (spoiler alert – stay calm and float on your back!), how to rescue someone who is caught in a rip (when no lifeguards are around, otherwise leave it to the professionals!) and how to stand up on a surfboard.

The surfing station was heaps of fun, we raced into the ocean holding our boards, jumping over waves and listening carefully to the instructor. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to master the art of standing up on the board (I don’t think five seconds counts as mastering).

Finally, we finished with the hike, where it was great to catch up with friends and look out at the amazing view, no whales were spotted though. My day ended with a race up the hill to the bus, where I managed to fall over and graze my knee, but that didn’t spoil the day. My favourite part was the boogie boarding as we got to ride lots of waves.

Written by Emma Fogale

On Tuesday, Year 7 went to the beach for Mind-Body-Spirit Day. It was full of fun with surfing, boogie boarding and having a walk around the beach. We learnt about how to survive and spot rips in the water. While walking we could see some dolphins and enjoy the breeze while walking. The weather was a bumpy one as the people in the first half were in the ocean while it was raining while the others went walking. Overall, it was a fun experience to do with friends and I was lucky we got the opportunity to go.

Written by Tangia Sun

On 19 November, Year 7 visited Long Reef for Mind-Body-Spirit Day. We caught the bus up to the beach then walked up to the headland and watched as dolphins leaped out of the water, surfed all the waves the sea had to offer, and boogie boarded into the shore. Manly Surf School instructed us, and everyone enjoyed being in the sun surfing!

Written by Zoe Alphandary

We look forward to seeing many families tonight for the inaugural Wise Phone Party which kicks off at 5.30pm. Thank you for supporting this initiative which promises to empower your daughters for the future.

On Friday of this week, we look forward to welcoming Year 7 parents to join us for our end-of-year Christmas celebration. The girls have been working hard to refine the celebration and are excited to come together for this significant event that marks their graduation to Year 8 – the new leaders of Middle School.

Congratulations to Athena Wu (Year 7) who recently successfully competed in the 2024 Australasian Schools Debate Championships. Participants from across Australasia, including countries such as Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, attended. We are so proud of Athena who was recognised as: Grand Finalist, 13-and-Under Category and 1st Best Speaker, 12-and-Under Category.

Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School