From the Principal
One of the many things I value greatly at Pymble is the inclusion of our students’ voices in discussions and decisions that affect them. “Nothing about them without them”, is our unofficial leadership mantra. Before our Head Prefects launched their theme for this year, Emily and Ang-Ya invited groups of incoming and current students to reflect on what ‘Come Alive in 2025’ means to them, as individuals and as the student body. The feedback they received highlighted the importance of participation, kindness and celebrating everyday moments at school. With that, I give you my…
Top five ‘Come Alive in 2025’ moments of recent weeks
5. From the excitement of decorating their vehicles in House groups, to cheers that lasted long after every competitor crossed the line, today’s inaugural student-led Billycart Race at lunchtime was a wonderful showcase of values, kindness and the joy of participation for our girls in Years 3 to 6. And the best news? The fun continues next week with Kindergarten to Year 2 in the driver’s seat and Year 6 as their metaphorical pit crew!
4. The second Year 9 Residential Program for the year concluded last Friday with fond farewells to our new friends at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), and a moving ceremony to honour our girls’ independence, resilience and growth after four-weeks of living and learning together at Vision Valley.
“What are the chances that the perfect people for all of us are each other, right here, right now? Vision Valley is such a small dot on the globe. Almost a speck of dust. But it’s such a happy dot because of all of you.”
This poignant reflection from Emma Wang on the final day speaks volumes about the character development, perspective and bonds that are formed on our life-changing program. If your daughter hasn’t been on ‘Resi’ yet, she has all this and more to look forward to, as the program continues to grow from strength to strength.
3. Our campus was a beautiful mix of colour and community last weekend as more than 400 Boarding students gathered for a very special event. Led by our Head Boarders, Sophie Laing and Celeste McDermott, the Colour Run brought together Boarders from local schools to raise funds for the Country Women’s Association to directly support families on the Mid North Coast impacted by recent floods. I just love this spirit of having a go and camaraderie between the Boarding Schools, all wrapped up in care for our regional friends and families going through a tough time.
The Colour Run was a great backdrop as we moved into Jersey Day on Wednesday in honour of Alanda Clark, Jane Gay and Prudence Papworth who lost their lives in a plane crash on the way home for the June long weekend in 1993. Each year, we proudly honour their memory and raise funds for the scholarship in their names to enable other Boarding students to enjoy a Pymble education.
2. You could almost hear a pin drop and feel the empathy growing at Tuesday’s Combined Assembly when one of our refugee students shared what life would be like had she remained in Taliban-occupied Afghanistan. Our girls showed the deepest respect as Baheshta imagined her only prospects as a teenage wife and mother who would not be free to use her voice or go out in public, compared to the freedom she enjoys today to concentrate on her learning and follow her dreams as a Foundation student at Pymble. This was truly a celebration of her courage and resilience, and the power of our community to change lives.
1. And finally, a letter arrived recently from one of our parents who simply wanted to express their gratitude and appreciation for one of our dedicated PDHPE teachers, Miss Monique Millett.
“Miss Millett has had a special influence on my daughter’s personal growth over the past two years. She goes above and beyond in her dedication, support and kindness. Her passion for teaching, genuine care for students and ability to bring out their best has made a significant positive impact on our daughter…”
Our staff work incredibly hard to support each student and her individual passions and pursuits. To know that they are seen and valued for their dedication, commitment and positive impact they have on your daughters makes me ‘Come alive in 2025’.
Have a wonderful long weekend.
