From the Senior School
A message from Patricia Gallardo, Acting Head of Senior School
Rest and Reflection Over the Long Weekend
As we head into the long weekend, we encourage everyone in our school community to take this opportunity to rest and recharge. The start of the term has been full of activity, from academic assessments and excursions to major events on the sporting and cultural calendar. It’s important to pause, breathe, and allow ourselves the time to reset.
Over the past fortnight, we’ve also taken time to reflect and commemorate significant moments in our national story. During National Reconciliation Week, students engaged in thoughtful discussions and activities that deepened their understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. The culmination of the week was the Indigenous Round of sport, where students proudly wore Indigenous jerseys and participated in matches that honoured culture and community.
We are especially proud of our First Nations students and senior student leaders who spoke with honesty and courage, sharing their experiences with their peers. Their words offered powerful reminders of the importance of listening, learning, and walking together.
Looking ahead, we will soon mark Refugee Week — another opportunity to reflect on compassion, resilience, and the strength that diversity brings to our community.
We hope this long weekend offers everyone a chance to rest, reflect, and reconnect.
Year 5 and Year 11 Mentoring Program
This week marked the second meeting of our Year 11 and Year 5 Mentoring Program, a wonderful initiative that fosters connection and mentoring across year groups. Each Year 11 student has been paired with a Year 5 buddy, creating meaningful opportunities for our senior students to guide, support, and connect with their younger peers.
It’s been heartening to see the enthusiasm and care shown by both year groups. During this week’s session, students engaged in shared activities and conversations that continue to build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The program not only encourages leadership and responsibility in our senior students but also offers our Year 5 students a valuable source of encouragement and friendship.
“During our Year 5 mentoring session yesterday, the Year 11 students had the opportunity to connect with our new Year 5 buddies. The Year 5 students brought along their ‘vision boards,’ which showcased a variety of their interests, such as hobbies, favourite foods, dream travel destinations, and future aspirations. These boards served as easy conversation starters, allowing us to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what they enjoy. The Year 5 students were eager to learn more about high school life, asking questions about the subjects we study and our personal experiences. A memorable moment for me was my buddy’s excitement when I shared that we get to cook food in Food Technology for different assessments. It was uplifting to see her so curious and excited about the subject and hearing her talk about how eager she is to start high school !” Summer, Year 11
“I loved having the chance to connect with my year 5 buddy. It’s like looking into the past version of myself. I love knowing that I can guide her with advice and I hope to make her feel excited about her future at Pymble”
Wrap with Love
Parents Warmly Welcomed to Join Wrap With Love – Knit-In, Friday, 13 June
We warmly invite parents to take part in our Wrap With Love initiative, a meaningful opportunity to come together in service of others. This project involves knitting or crocheting squares that are sewn into warm blankets, which are then donated to people in need across Australia and beyond.
Let’s wrap the world in love — one square at a time.
For further details and to RSVP, please see the image below.
Senior Economics – KODA
Last month, Daisy, Sophia, Sophia, and I, accompanied by Ms Pearce, had the privilege of attending the KODA Capital: Economic and Market Update 2025. We had the opportunity to hear from Brigette Leckie, KODA Capital’s Chief Economist, who delivered an engaging and insightful presentation on the current Australian and global macroeconomic landscape.
Brigette explored the volatility and uncertainty currently affecting global markets, particularly in light of rising geopolitical tensions and a growing trend towards individualisation and deglobalisation. She provided thoughtful commentary on how these shifts are influencing investment behaviours and economic outlooks both locally and internationally.
What stood out most was how this experience brought the concepts we’ve studied in class to life. Instead of simply reading about economic theory in textbooks or news articles, we were able to witness how real-world economists interpret and apply this knowledge in a professional context. It was a fantastic opportunity that deepened our understanding of economics and its relevance beyond the classroom.
Madeline (Year 12 Economics)
Key Dates – Term 2
9 June – Public Holiday – King’s Birthday Long Weekend
12 June – Athletics Carnival
13 June – Wrapped with Love
Key Dates – Term 3
24 September – Year 12 Picnic Clontarf – Students only
25 September – Graduation Assembly – Students Only
26 September – Year 12 Speech Day, Farewell Chapel
26 September – Valedictory Dinner
From the Year 11 Parent Group
Patricia Gallardo
Acting Head of Senior School