From the Principal
Swimming carnivals, outdoor adventures, rowing, Pymble Stride, and pre-competition training across the breadth of co-curricular…it’s been another invigorating week of learning and character development for our Pymble girls.
At our Executive meeting on Tuesday, I asked each table of five or six staff to nominate one highlight of the week from their perspective. Top of the list was the energy and aptitude of both our Kindies and our Year 7s, who have maintained their wide-eyed enthusiasm since day one, much to the delight of their teachers and Heads of School.
Shout-outs were also given to our Year 6 students who are pioneering the steep learning curve of designing, building and eventually racing their own electric-powered car in the Formula Goblin Project, and our Year 9 adventurers currently on the Residential Program at Vision Valley. When their departure for expedition was temporarily delayed by a sudden storm last week, our resilient ‘resies’ patiently waited it out by practicing their wilderness first aid skills indoors before cheerfully embarking on the bus to Bouddi National Park when it was safe to do so. Having seen firsthand their commitment to a canyoning expedition in the Blue Mountains last Friday, this came as no surprise. The photo above is me with my group, all of us feeling on top of the world after abseiling down Empress Falls.
Back at the exec meeting, our Acting Director of Studies, Ms Caragh Warth, summed up the start of the academic year beautifully, with a reflection on how proud she was to hear each Head of Learning Area sing the praises of their staff for the passion, skill and creativity they bring to lessons. Her comment, “I just really want to be a student in their classes!” speaks volumes about the calibre of our teachers. Our girls are truly blessed to have these extraordinary educators delivering highly engaging programs, right across the College. And we are equally blessed that you have chosen Pymble for your daughter – thank you!
It was gratifying to hear one of our former students pay tribute to our teachers in her address to students at last week’s Foundation Day service. The Honourable Bronnie Taylor (Washington, 1986) was once a Boarder in Lang House before she became a nurse, politician and the first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals Party. Of her time at Pymble, she said, “I loved it and I knew that when I walked out of the gates when I finished Year 12, because of the education that I had here, I could do anything if I set my mind to it.”
She also spoke to students about the moral responsibility that comes from being a member of our Pymble family.
“When you see something that isn’t fair or isn’t right, remember who you are. Remember you have had an education that has taught you to put your hand up, speak out, and stand up for what is right.”
Bronnie was speaking about our College values, of course. This leads me to share a sneak peak of some work we have been doing to create a series of icons that will become part of the Pymble values recognition system for our community.
Our aim was to design each value as an icon, within a set of five. Each icon had to meet three key requirements:
- Visibly represent a place, tradition, or symbol of Pymble that is meaningful to past, present and future students, staff and families.
- Reflect the essence of the behaviour statement written for that value.
- Have longevity and a timeless, classic design.
The following designs pay homage to our College crest, our Chapel and relationship with the Uniting Church of Australia, our beloved Jacaranda tree, our highly coveted school medallion, and the Black Watch tartan of the students’ uniform.
Introducing our values icons
Care – I am kind to myself and others
Our Jacaranda tree, with the wisdom of an aged trunk and familiar branch structure, symbolises Care for self, others and the environment, along with stability, growth, and a commitment to supporting each other to thrive.
Courage – I am open to new experiences to learn and grow
Derived from our College crest, the Lion is a universal symbol of Courage. Interesting that our Year 12 girls in the last two years have identified with the lion and brought it into their leadership theme!
Integrity – I do the right thing, even when no one is watching
Our Compass takes the shape of the Sun on our crest, pointing the way to our collective values. Integrity lies at the centre of our inner compass, guiding us to act with Care, Courage, Respect and Responsibility, even when no one is watching, as we journey through our Pymble days and life beyond.
Respect – I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others
This icon takes the Maiden from our crest and incorporates our historic architectural arches as her Crown, symbolising that each Pymble girl and member of our community leads themselves in a way that welcomes, values and shows Respect to all, regardless of race, culture, background, faith and beliefs.
Responsibility – I take ownership of my actions
Responsibility is represented by the Rose Window located in the spiritual and geographical heart of our College, the War Memorial Chapel. As members of a school of the Uniting Church in Australia, we find light, joy and beauty in taking Responsibility for our actions and living life according to our shared values.
Pretty fabulous, right?
We are so excited about these designs, which are the result of thorough research work undertaken to ensure there is meaning and longevity for each one. Having said that, we also appreciate that everyone will have their own thoughts and different views – and that many of us are fiercely passionate about all things Pymble. I am delighted that our former Principal, Mrs Gillian Moore AO, has accepted my invitation to speak at our Secondary School assembly on 25 February where we will formally launch these icons to students and staff. My hope is that our whole community will be as delighted by them as we are.
Well, the girls have arrived at my office for another UNO challenge, so it’s time to sign off until next week.
Respectfully yours,
