From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Farewell HSC 2023!
The final HSC examination, Food Technology, was completed last Friday morning. The KM rang with the delighted cheers of the students who finally finished their schedule of exams, as they rushed out into the sunshine and celebrated! As stated previously, on behalf of all the Senior School community, best wishes for every success and happiness to our 2023 graduates!
Outstanding Effort Recognition
Congratulations to our second group of Year 12 students who were recognised for their outstanding effort in Year 11. These students received all Consistent Effort across all subjects in their Learning Profiles, in both Semesters 1 and 2. This is a significant achievement, and it was a pleasure to recognise and honour their work ethic in Senior School Assembly this week. Congratulations to all!
Transition to Senior School
Last week we hosted the current Year 10 students to welcome them to the Senior School. Following a barbecue and gelato lunch, the students heard presentations from the Head of Senior School, the Curriculum Department, the Senior School counsellors and the Futures Team. They then engaged in a panel discussion with current Year 12 students, who gave them tips for a successful start to Year 11 and answered questions from the floor. It was a lovely afternoon and a great opportunity to meet many of the incoming Year 11s (2024). My special thanks to our Year 12 students who assisted – Sameera, Yvette, Harriet, Arabella, Bella and Julie.
Tanzania Tour
This week the students who visited Tanzania had a presentation night, where they shared their experiences and the new perspectives they had gained. We are so very proud of how these students acted as fine ambassadors for Pymble and provided so much assistance and care. Sincerest thanks to the teachers who also accompanied the girls – Mrs Hunt, Ms Cole and Mr Fogale. I am confident in saying that this was a life changing experience for many of the participants.
Here are Tanvi’s reflections:
I think I can speak for everyone when I say this was one of the most incredible trips to have the privilege of going on. Immersing ourselves in the culture of Tanzania, meeting wonderfully interesting people and hearing their stories truly gave me a whole new perspective.
Beginning at East Meru Community School, our first day consisted of transporting construction materials alongside some of the parents. We spoke completely different languages but regardless laughed together and managed to formed a unique connection. It really made me think about the power of body language, human connection and most importantly big smiles.
It was refreshing to see the kids so happy and so grateful, with the limited resources they had. They were so excited to respond to the letters from the Year 5 Pymble students, which really was a testament to how connections were made despite being continents apart. On the last day, when we played games and did face painting for them, the pure joy was infectious.
I remember Mary telling me that for many of these kids, the Snake Park was their first time seeing a proper road, which really made me reflect on the access to basic infrastructure that we may take for granted in our everyday lives. We tried different foods, such as spinach and makande, which is a maize based meal.
Visiting Maternity Africa was a hugely important and inspiring part of our journey. Many of the patients delivering babies were not too far from our age, and the prevalence of fistulas really highlighted the reality of limited healthcare there. As confronting as this was, it also made many of us think on how we can help beyond visiting for one day and making care packs. It inspired me to want to come back in the future and help in any way I can.
Immersing ourselves in the Maasai culture was a fascinating experience. From the School of St Jude’s we brought along a goat with us in our mini-bus to donate to the tribe, and spent the day dressing up, dancing and learning about their culture.
This trip truly gave me a whole new perspective on the world around us and the privileges we have in our everyday life that we may take for granted. I have made it a personal goal of mine, as I’m sure others have too, to go back to this incredible place.
Sportwomen’s Awards Night
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Sportwomen’s Awards Night at Miramare Gardens. Congratulations to those girls who received awards and to all students who have committed themselves to training and competing in a Pymble sport this year. Your participation and enthusiasm, and great skill, is so much appreciated, and creates that magical Pymble spirit!
Out of Hours Support for Year 12 Uni Applications
Many students have already finalised applications for tertiary applications, including organising references and academic transcripts for Australian and overseas institutions. The College has communicated the importance of observing internal deadlines and being organised prior to graduation. If students require support or advice, please contact the Futures Department before we will be on leave. Our office will be closed from COB 15th December 2023 until late January when Term 1 resumes. Should students require careers advice or assistance, they can access the recommended services outlined in this guide.
Please discuss 2024 plans with your daughter and check for any requirements and submission dates for the respective institutions which interest her.
Please also note that Pymble staff will also be on annual leave from 16 December until school resumes in late January 2024. As a result, it will not be possible to organise references or other supporting documents after 15 December.
From the Secondary School Parent Group
Susan and I (Pilar) would like to warmly invite all Year 12 2024 parents and carers to the end-of-year celebration.
This is an opportunity to meet new parents and reconnect with ones we already know. This is an adult-only event.
Cost: $42 per person
When: Friday 8 December at 7.00pm
Where: The Yemma’s home at 103 Junction Road, Wahroonga
RSVP by December 1st to Susan sma.liu@yahoo.com
Please advise of any dietary requirements.
Term 4 – Key Dates
23 November – Dan Haesler presentation – Winning’s a Lousy Teacher
6 December Speech Day Year 7 to 11
6 December Term 4 concludes
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School