From the Principal

Picture yourself in a career in aviation or space.  Discover things you didn’t know about aircraft, drones and the universe.  Open your mind to possibilities through unique, hands-on experiences, delivered by professionals working in associated fields and industries.  

These were the broad aims of our two-week Aviation and Space Expo and, judging by the girls’ feedback, it seems the program has hit the mark. This week, it is my pleasure to hand over this column to students and staff to share some of the experiences that have inspired them to think on a whole new level. 

Planetarium experience 

Experts from Macquarie University took students on an insightful journey through our solar system, galaxies and the universe using a state-of-the-art planetarium projector system and portable seven metre dome. 

“It felt so real inside the planetarium, just like space.” – Gwyneth Ho and Shivaaya Kapoor (Year 2) 

“We really liked looking at the Milky Way, planets and stars, and were surprised to learn that a newborn star is five million years old!” – Scarlett Kang and Lena Chan (Year 2) 

“We learned many new things, such as how Pluto was once classified as the ninth planet before scientists reclassified it as a dwarf planet. We also discovered that the Sun appears white when seen up close, and that the darker looking sunspots are areas about 1000 degrees cooler than their surroundings. These spots still glow, but the brightness of the hotter areas around them makes them appear dark to us. It was great to learn about space, astronomy and physics in more depth.” – Olivia Chen (Year 7) 
 

---

Drone flying  

Junior School students had several opportunities to try, practise or demonstrate their drone flying skills, thanks to our Drone Academy pioneers and new equipment. 

“I loved the challenge of trying to fly the drones through the rings as I had never done that before. I was surprised how much I needed to keep the controls steady and try not to make it crash.” – Cassandra Yao (Year 3) 

---

Women in aviation panel discussion 

Four women with vastly different roles in aviation spoke to students about their careers and pathways. Our panellists were: Alanna Torn-Broers (Senior Advisor of Cabin Policy at Qantas); Lara Campbell (Air Traffic Controller at Sydney Airport, and former Pymble student); Kristina Mitropoulos (Future Growth Manager at Toll’s ACE Training Centre); and Amanda Carroll (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training Co-ordinator at Toll, and mum of Zoe in Year 10!). 

 “Something that really stuck with me was that they all had different jobs before entering the industry. For example, one of the women, who is now an air traffic controller, used to be an engineer but decided to switch career paths after someone mentioned aviation to her during her first week at university. All these amazing women said it is completely fine to change careers in order to do something you truly love. They all have such unique and inspiring careers, and I feel so lucky that I got to hear their stories and tips about pursuing a career in aviation.” – Gabriella Hanna (Year 7) 

---

Life-saving drone demonstrations 

Surf Life Saving volunteers set up their drone on Main Oval to demonstrate how this technology is used to lift, collect and deliver items or supplies to where they are needed, whether on land or water.
 
“When it took off, you could see and feel the wind that was pushed down from the propellers, it showed the power and upward thrust keeping it so stable.” – Mia Farthing (Year 6) 

“We were told that it can carry up to 40 kilograms. It makes sense now how it can drop supplies to stranded people or flotation devices to help swimmers in trouble.”  – Olivia Headley (Year 6) 

“Seeing how powerful and useful the drone was made me understand how much faster rescues can be with the use of these drones and how much safer our beaches and coasts now are.” – Mya Aggarwal (Year 6) 

---

Air traffic control excursion  

Year 12 Physics students toured the control tower and radar room at Sydney Airport to observe and learn from staff as they actively controlled incoming and outgoing aircraft.  

“By the end of the day, several students had ATC on their ‘potential career’ list. It’s something that would have been impossible to experience without this excursion.” – Ms Jessica Budden (Physics Co-ordinator) 
 

---

Helicopter flight simulations  

Australian Defence Force flight simulators and pilots were onsite for students to experience flying and to learn about the different roles in aviation.  

“Using the helicopter simulator was a great opportunity to see many of the concepts we learn during maths class come to life, despite quite a few of us struggling on the take off! I was surprised to see the many controls and skill it takes to fly a helicopter, and just how real the simulator felt. While it was certainly a challenge to fly, our class enjoyed celebrating each other’s successes and trying such a unique new opportunity.” – Abby Christopher (Year 12) 
 

---

Special assembly with keynote speaker, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson 

A highlight of the week was a special assembly where our students hosted a Q&A with four Qantas staff members, including former Pymble student Vanessa Hudson (1987), Pilot Debbie Slade, Engineer Marnie Hehir, and Flight Attendant Sophie Mill (1987). 

“I was most excited to hear about Vanessa’s journey in both the aviation and the financial industry, and what motivated her to build a career in this field. I also really enjoyed hearing from Debbie Slade, the second female A380 pilot, whose story was both inspiring and motivating. Engineer Marnie Hehir shared her thoughtful anecdotes, which combined insight with humour and made her experiences in engineering both engaging and memorable. Sophie Mill spoke about the importance of regulating her time, balancing the demands of her work while still dedicating time to her hobbies, such as painting. Their journeys demonstrated how a wide range of opportunities are available in the versatile world of aviation.  
 
“This has encouraged me to continue working towards a career in aviation, whether that is through flying or in the financial side of the industry. Hearing from these accomplished women highlighted the importance of resilience and passion, and it has inspired me to stay focused on my future pathway. I am very grateful to our Deputy Principal, Mrs Kenny, for organising this opportunity.” – Arin Yoon (Year 10) 

We certainly are grateful to Mrs Kenny, Mr Plaskett and all the staff involved in creating such a comprehensive program of events – truly an exposition of learning unlike anything we have seen before at Pymble. As the saying goes, “You can’t be what you can’t see” and it is exciting to see so many students inspired by new ideas and possibilities in this space. As for me, I won’t be giving up my day job to fly helicopters – I couldn’t get much further than taking off before crashing!  
 
Have a great weekend, and happy Father’s Day to all our amazing dads, grandfathers and father figures in our community.