From the Senior School

From the Senior School

I am pleased to see so many of the girls using their prep/study lessons effectively to manage their time. It’s great to witness their dedication as they work through their first round of assessment tasks. These will provide an important opportunity to gain valuable feedback on their progress across subjects, and the skills they are developing in managing their workload will serve them well next year.

As we move into the warmer months, I’d like to remind everyone to prioritise their wellbeing – getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure will help ensure they stay healthy and focused.

Year 5 Buddy Christmas Celebration

Senior School celebrated a heartwarming Christmas event with our Year 5 students, marking the end of a wonderful year-long buddy program. Over the course of the year, our girls have formed strong friendships, and this special Christmas gathering was the perfect way to celebrate their bond.

The day was filled with festive cheer, starting with a special Christmas story shared by Rev Danielle. Lizzie also delighted us with a rocking Christmas song that set the perfect tone for the celebrations.

In addition to the Christmas activities, we also offered opportunities for reflection on the year ahead, ensuring that all students felt included in the spirit of the season. Whether through colouring cards, writing letters to Santa or creating festive decorations, the activities allowed everyone to celebrate in their own way and look forward to the new year with excitement and positivity.

A huge thank you to Josie, Alice, Lily and Abby for their hard work in preparing the activities and organising this memorable event. Your dedication made this celebration extra special for everyone involved.

The relationships formed through the buddy program will continue into next year, providing further opportunities for the girls to strengthen their friendships and share experiences.

It was a wonderful way to conclude the buddy program for this year, leaving our Year 5 students with lasting memories, deeper connections, and a sense of joy as we look ahead to the new year.

Year 12 Hospitality – Doing the Coffee Rounds!

Over the course of this term, the year 12 Hospitality cohort have been participating ‘service periods’ designed to mimic a real Hospitality environment. We have been thoroughly enjoying taking orders, making espresso coffee and providing ‘Service with a Smile’ to our staff! Overall, we have loved this learning experience and having the opportunity to put our knowledge into practice  – we have found it particularly fun to connect with our teachers by making them coffee whilst developing a skill that will prove useful once we leave school! 

Written by Phoebe, Claudia and Aimi

Congratulations to our new leaders

Congratulations to the new group of Year 12 student leaders who have been selected to represent their year group on various committees and leadership teams. This is an exciting opportunity to take on responsibility, contribute to the school community and help shape the experiences of your peers. I am confident that each of you will bring enthusiasm, dedication and a strong sense of leadership to your roles. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make throughout the year.

Alice AnandMacquarie University Emerging Leaders Award
LilyBarlowHouse Leader – Goodlet
PippaBarneyFutures Leader
AbbyChristopherCommunications Leader and Macquarie University Emerging Leaders Award
InesDanzigerEnvironment Leader
KeiraDuncanHouse Leader – Bennett
JosephineGreenMacquarie University Emerging Leaders Award
AyselGuptaCommunity Service Leader
SiennaHuiIntercultural Leader
LauraJanuszekHouse Leader – Thomas
IsabelleJohnstonHouse Leader – Marden
LilyJonesHouse Leader – Wylie
EvieLeahyHouse Leader – Hammond
LucindaMiddletonHouse Leader – Lang
KathieOngChapel Leader
PhoebePaleologosChapel Leader
SallyPayneWellbeing Leader
LilyStallanMacquarie University Emerging Leaders Award
IzabellaZiolkowskiHouse Leader – Ingleholme

Write a Book in a Day

I am also proud to share the exciting news that our Year 11 “Write a Book in a Day team has been awarded winners in two categories at this year’s competition.

The team, consisting of Charlotte Ford, Sarah Boland, Allison Wang, Isabella Xu, Thinara Siriniwasa, Phoebe Paleologos and Abby Christopher, won the following awards for their book In Deep Waters.

  • NSW State Winner – Best Illustrated Book – Upper School Division
  • National Winner – Best Illustrated Book – Upper School Division

We are incredibly proud of their outstanding achievements and are thrilled to celebrate this success with you. Special thanks to the team of teachers who supported the girls and the program this year: Mrs Zwar, Mrs Patmore, Mr O’Connor and Mx Toohey.

Year 12 2025 Parents Orange Weekend Away

Year 12 Boarder parents would like to invite all Year 12 day parents to Orange, New South Wales as a thank you for the years of lifts to sport, having our girls stay on the weekends and the friendship shown to our girls. A really great itinerary is currently being designed.

Don’t miss out – book your accomodation now! Orange is busy in March so get in early. See below for more details on discounts and recommendations.

Best accomodation

  • The Quest Hotel

15% off discount code: PLC

You must use the Oriana website to book using this promo code.

  • The Mercure Accor Hotel

10% off discount code: PLC

  • The Canobolas Hotel

7.5% off discount code: VIP003

  • The Byng St Boutique Hotel

New management will soon take over the hotel. Bookings can be made after 2 December. Call (02) 5317 8200.

  • Central Caleula Motorlodge

Call (02) 6362 7699.

  • Airbnbs/Houses

Visit www.bnbmadeeasy.com.au or www.airbnb.com.au

Key Dates

4 December – Years 7 to 11 (2024) Speech Day

4 December – Last day of Term 4

18 December – HSC 2024 results released

19 December – Gradu-bration! For Year 12 2024 students


Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School