From the Upper School

From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

With Year 10 girls busily applying themselves to their examinations, the Upper School has felt a little quieter this week. For many, this is their first experience of a formal exam week, complete with the challenge of multiple assessments in a single day and the realisation of whether their study schedule has supported them effectively.  

In the coming weeks, the girls will receive feedback from their teachers, giving them a valuable opportunity to reflect on what worked well and where there’s room for growth. This process is an important part of their learning journey as they prepare to step into the Senior School in 2026. 

We’re proud of the way they’ve approached this milestone and look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop confidence, resilience, and independence in their learning. 

After the Allwell testing is completed on Friday, the girls will have a chance to unwind and celebrate on campus with a range of physical activity options and a year group lunch.  

View from Vision Valley – St Edmund’s Day Reflection

Last Friday, St Edmund’s College visited Vision Valley for a spectacular day full of fun outdoor activities. There were approximately 20 St Edmund’s students with special needs, ranging from Years 7 to 12. The day began when the St Edmund’s students arrived at 10am on Lakeside Lawn. The Pymble and Churchie students were buddied up with students from St Edmund’s, and we sat down at the campfire for a welcome and an Acknowledgement of Country. 

After the introduction, all the students divided into three set groups for an entertaining icebreaker session. After around 30 minutes of get-to-know-you games, the St Edmund’s students felt comfortable in the new environment with their buddies. The groups then went to sugar gliding, crate stacking, or archery, rotating activities after a barbeque lunch. The St Edmund’s students had an amazing time doing these physically and mentally-challenging activities. 

This day was also a unique and special opportunity for the St Edmund’s students, as they were able to face their fears, try new things, and meet new people who helped and guided them along the way. Overall, this experience was beneficial for both the St Edmund’s and the Pymble-Churchie students as it emphasised the importance of good communication skills, which enabled all students to have a day they would not forget.  

Emma, Kimmy, Eliza, Rielle 

Student shoutouts – Congratulations to.. 

  • Shormal committee – thank you to Sienna, Evie, Isla-Rose, Scarlett, Laranya, Isabelle, Emily and Isis for running fun intro games and supporting the evening. Your efforts meant the night started with lots of fun and laughter. 
  • Rianne Leung is continuing her busy year of Fencing with a third place in the European Fencing Confederation Cadet Women’s Foil event in Gothenburg, Sweden during the holidays. Rianne is currently in Istanbul competing in the Cadet and Junior FIE World Cup Women’s Foil. 
  • Panya Khatri on being named the most avid Upper School reader in the Pymble House Reading competition for reading an impressive 74 books. 
  • Kayla Davies for her third place at the 2025 Australian Elite Junior Championships for diving. Kayla was third in the Elite Junior B Platform 3m.  
  • Our talented Upper School musicians for their amazing performances at this week’s Ensemble Concert. 
  • Sokratis Project participants – Isla-Rose, Sitian, Serena, Tala, Imogen, Jane, Syrena, Xiaoyin, Ilesha, Soumya and Kyraa. These projects are full of insightful and professionally presented research. Please go check them out in the Library. 
  • Hakone Liceralde, Emily Dong, Sophie Harris and Joyce Li for volunteering for the Marys House Walk on Sunday. 
  • Aimee Yap and Amalia Bond, Gabriella Sheh, Jennifer Chen, Celine Chen and Mia Micallef for representing the College at igsa Gymnastics this year and contributing to Pymble being named igsa Champion for 2025. 
  • A very capable group of girls who participated in the Festival of Speech last weekend. Well done to Jemma Hung, Leahara Wijesuriya, Isis Lee, Imogen Kee, Estelle Lee, Amrita Marwah and Grace McSweeney.