From the Middle School
On Tuesday, at our Combined Assembly, we celebrated Refugee Week, acknowledging the challenging pathways many individuals are forced to tread and celebrating the incredible stories of belonging that can result from genuine attempts to understand and welcome all to our wider community. In Middle School, we are very fortunate to have three impressive young Afghan women who have been at Pymble for the last two years as part of our Foundation Bursary Program: Baheshta, Nawida, and Malali. The voices of these students rang out loudly and clearly throughout this special assembly where they stepped up to speak and inspire others. Our Principal, Dr Hadwen, invited Baheshta to share memories of her journey to Australia and reflect on the experiences that have shaped the strong woman she has become. The audience paused on her every word – deep listening and real understanding were taking place. I would like to acknowledge these girls for their courage and resilience. They are an asset to Middle School.
Last week, during our Compass Curriculum lessons, we reflected on last week’s Reconciliation Assembly. As part of our Circles activities, the girls created their own Compass yarning sticks, which they were then invited to put to use as they passed them around the circle whilst sharing ideas and observations based on the prompt questions provided:
- What are some small actions everyone can take in daily life to help achieve reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?
- What are some lessons from Australia’s history with reconciliation that you think are important for the future?
This was a productive way to deepen understanding of First Nations perspectives and build respect and inclusion within our community. The beautiful yarning sticks will be used as part of our Middle School Garden display for NAIDOC Week next term.
Congratulations to the following students who will represent Pymble at the ISDA NSW Grand Final debates on Friday, 13 June, at Riverview. This is an amazing achievement, and we wish the girls every success for their final debate.
- Year 7: Sandra Wang, Lexie Wang, Bianca Ng, Alice Jiang, and Connie Huang
- Year 7: Anthea Wu, Emma Ouyang, Penny Xing, Selina Jiang, and Arabella Hoang
The National Exchange program has concluded and was a great success, bringing together students from across the country to learn, share and grow. Over the course of the program, participants built strong friendships, explored new schools and developed valuable skills that will stay with them for life.
Secondary School Athletics Carnival
The 2025 Secondary School Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 12 June, at the Sydney Olympic Park Competition Arena.
- Years 7 and 8 Departure: 7:00 am sharp at the Kelso bus stop for a 7:15 am departure.
- Middle School students are to assemble at James Kelso Field under the correct compass group sign. Students must arrive by 7:00 am to have their names marked on the roll and then be escorted to the bus departure point by their compass group teachers. Students who require asthma medication, EpiPens, or other medications are expected to bring them to the carnival.
Millimgimbi Middle School Community Connection
We are excited to share with you an opportunity to build relationships with our Partner, Millingimbi School in North East Arnhem Land. Through connections with the Yadha Mura Foundation, Pymble Ladies’ College has worked with the Millingimbi school over the last two years, collaborating toward developing educational outcomes for First Nations students.
This year, the Middle School is part of an initiative to host 8 students from Year 7 and Year 8 from the Millingimbi School who will be visiting Sydney, attending school at Pymble and spending time at Vision Valley.
The purpose of the visit is to expose the students to new ways of learning and building their confidence and resilience. The program will run from Monday 25th of August to Saturday, the 30th.
At this point, we are reaching out to Middle School families in the hope that four local Pymble families will express interest in hosting two students each for three nights. Monday through Thursday. It is important to note that students will need to be dropped off and picked up from school on these days. All family members over the age of 18 in the household will need a valid NSW Working with Children Check (easy to apply for online via RMS website).
If your family is interested in learning more about hosting our visitors, please complete the EOI here by Friday13 June
The Athletics Carnival is a compulsory school event that aims to promote house spirit and participation. Girls who are unable to participate should provide a note via their school office by Monday, 9 June. It should be noted that the College maintains a record of student attendance for these important days in the calendar.
From the Year 7 Parent Co-ordinator
All Year 7 parents are warmly invited to join in a very relaxed evening to catch up over a drink at the Burns house in Turramurra. Come for the whole time or just drop in when it suits, we look forward to seeing you!
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School