From the Senior School
From the Acting Head of Senior School – Patricia Gallardo
This week, we are beginning to see the culmination of months, and in some cases years, of student dedication and creativity. The Senior School has been a hive of activity, alive with energy and focus, as Year 12 students finalise major works and performances across a range of subjects.
Extension 2 English, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Drama and Design and Technology are just a few of the areas where students are showcasing both their talent and perseverance as they prepare for the submission and presentation of their projects. These works represent far more than assessment tasks; they reflect the curiosity, imagination, and resilience that have shaped each student’s learning journey. We congratulate our students on the passion and determination they have demonstrated throughout this process and look forward to seeing the exhibitions of their work.
Prefect Leadership – Mentoring our new leadership team
This week, we continue with the changing of the guard for Prefect leadership, as our outgoing student leaders hand over their responsibilities to the new team. This transition is not just about roles and titles, but about passing on the wisdom, experience, and traditions that have shaped our community. It is a chance to reflect on the dedication and service of the current Prefects, while also preparing the next group to step into their positions with confidence and courage.
At the heart of this process is mentorship. The outgoing Prefects are offering guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to ensure their successors feel well-prepared for the year ahead. This spirit of support highlights the values of care, responsibility, and respect that underpin leadership in our school. It is through these moments of connection that continuity is maintained, and each generation of leaders can learn, grow, and make their mark.
Year 11 Chinese in Context class visited HYJ Nursing Home by Selena He (Year 11) & Fiona Tsang (Year 11)
On Thursday 21 August, nine of us from Year 11 Chinese in Context, accompanied by Mrs Xie, visited Huang Ying Jung Nursing Home (黃應榮療養院) as part of our course enrichment program. The excursion gave us the chance to take our learning beyond the classroom and connect with the elderly in the Chinese Australian community. In the weeks leading up to the visit, we prepared ten performances—songs, dances, piano pieces, and bamboo flute music—rehearsing both in class and during the holidays. Although we felt nervous at first, the residents’ warm smiles, clapping, and even singing along quickly put us at ease. Their kind words afterwards, calling it one of the most enjoyable activities they had attended, made us feel proud and honoured.
After the concert, the staff gave us a tour of the nursing home, showing us the canteen, mahjong rooms, gym, and artefacts that reflected residents’ memories and histories. We also learned about the founder’s vision, the generosity of donors, and the dedication of volunteers who helped create such a welcoming place for the elderly. A shared hotpot lunch at Memory Tongue in Chatswood gave us time to reflect on the day, share our thoughts, and express our appreciation. We were especially grateful to Mrs Xie for giving us such a meaningful opportunity. This excursion helped us see how language and culture come alive in real life, leaving us inspired and more deeply connected to our community.
Garden Party Reminder
In readiness for this year’s Garden Party, our stalls will be the Year 12 Raffle and Year 11 Spin It to Win It. Thank you in advance for your help. Funds raised at this year’s Garden Party will go to the Mahboba’s Promise and HerVillage Foundation.
Year 12 students will receive a booklet of raffle tickets to sell prior to the event. Tickets are $2.50 each or $40 for a book of 20. Prizes include an Apple Watch, Wireless Headphones, and a $100 Gift Voucher.
For Year 11, donations of small items from the list provided in their Compass classes will go towards Spin It to Win It — a game of chance where participants purchase numbered tickets that correspond to sections on our wheel. When the wheel stops, the number it lands on determines the lucky winner of a prize. Each spin will be $2.
Term 3 Dates
1 – 12 September – Year 11 Exams
20 September – Pymble Garden Party
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
Patricia Gallardo
Acting Head of Senior School