From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
Next week, our Year 10 students start to embark on their Outdoor Education Programs, with the Namadji and Snowy River camps setting off first. This highlight in the school year invites students to step beyond the classroom, build stronger friendships, and discover new aspects of themselves in the great outdoors. These experiences help young people develop the perseverance, empathy, and teamwork that form the foundation of both emotional wellbeing and academic growth. As researchers such as Lisa Damour and Donna Cross remind us, positive peer connections can buffer stress, enhance confidence and motivate young people to thrive both socially and at school. OEP provides the girls with a great chance to make new friends and learn more about girls outside their immediate peer group. Thank you in advance to our dedicated Outdoor Education and teaching staff for their commitment and care in leading these adventures away from campus. We look forward to hearing the stories and reflections that emerge from these shared experiences in the weeks ahead.
This Friday, we celebrate the Term 4 group at their final Vision Valley Honouring Ceremony. This is a meaningful event where students share reflections on their time at the Valley and are welcomed home by their families. We warmly encourage both parents and/or a significant adult role model to attend as we mark this important rite of passage from childhood toward young adulthood.
We are so proud that as of this week all our Year 9 students have now completed their Vision Valley Residential program, a remarkable milestone in their year. Spending four weeks learning, living and supporting one another away from home brings challenges that stretch personal courage and deepen emotional maturity. It has been inspiring to see each student grow in independence, empathy, and connection with her peers. Congratulations to all our students on this achievement.
Year 8–9 Transition Morning: Building Connections for Upper School
This week, Upper School welcomed Year 8 students, who took part in a special transition afternoon with Year 9. This was designed to help them prepare for life in Upper School next year. The event was filled with energy and enthusiasm as Year 9 students warmly welcomed Year 8s, sharing their own experiences and offering tips on everything from managing new subjects to getting involved in school life.
Through team activities, group discussions and a Q&A session, Year 8s had the chance to ask questions and gain insight into what lies ahead in 2026. It was fantastic to see friendships forming across year groups and confidence growing as students realised they’re more than ready to take this next exciting step.
The afternoon ended on a high note, with both year groups reflecting on how supporting one another makes our school community even stronger.
Year 9 Student Reflection
On Friday 21 November 2025, 9 Pymble girls attended Shore School to attend the Spirit of Australia Foundation Monash Commemorative Service. Students from different schools were there, and the whole assembly was about celebrating Australia’s heritage and remembering General Sir John Monash.
There were speeches from army representatives and Monash scholars who spoke about his achievements; not just as a general in World War I, but also as an engineer, lawyer and leader. I found it really inspiring how Monash managed to overcome so many challenges. He was Australian-born at a time when that wasn’t respected by the British army, he had German-Jewish parents during a world war, and he was a part-time soldier when the war started. Even with all of that, he still became one of the greatest military leaders of his time.
The music and wreath-laying part of the service were incredibly moving.
Overall, the assembly made me think about what true leadership looks like – being smart, kind, and determined. Monash’s life showed that one person really can make a difference. – Akshara Bhattacharya