From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
Another rich and rewarding year in the Upper School draws to a close. Our Year 9 and 10 students have embraced a wide range of learning and co-curricular opportunities at Pymble, at Vision Valley, across Sydney and around Australia. Students have embraced exchange opportunities and overseas trips to Tanzania and Europe. We are immensely proud of their growth, courage and contribution. As the holidays approach, please encourage your daughters to genuinely rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and return refreshed for the year ahead.
We especially farewell our Year 10s as they step into the Senior School and all the possibilities that await them. Like proud parents, we will be cheering them on from a distance, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Upper School for visits next year. Our Year 9s will now take up the mantle as leaders and stewards of the Upper School, and there is great confidence in the thoughtful and inclusive leaders they will become. We know that they will do a great job welcoming the current Year 8 students into Upper School.
A huge thank you to all Upper School families for the privilege of partnering with you in your daughter’s education. Parenting adolescents is complex and demanding, and navigating Years 9 and 10 involves new friendships, new subjects, emerging independence and plenty of questions about the world. Thank you for working alongside us as your daughters learn, make mistakes, reflect and mature during these pivotal years. We hope that your daughters have had a great year and are excited for what comes next. As the year ends and the girls (and parents) have wound down after a busy year, encourage your daughter to reflect on what that sparked joy or growth, and the activities she might explore next year at Pymble. Perhaps over the summer holidays you will have the chance to discuss skills she wants to build, friendships to nurture, or interests to pursue, while balancing academics and wellbeing. Thoughtful choices in sport, performing arts, service, or extended learning can help to foster purpose and connection in 2026.
The many wonderful experiences the girls enjoy are made possible by an exceptional Upper School team. Thank you to Dr Mariel Lombard, Mrs Sally Seymour, Mrs Sabine Watts and Mrs Anthea Deschamps for their seamless organisation behind the scenes and the daily care they show your daughters. A big shout out to the Vision Valley and Outdoor Education team for supporting the girls throughout the Residential Program and the adventures of the Year 10 OEP. Sincere thanks also to the Heads of Year 9 and 10, Ms Stephanie Attley, Mr Peter Fathers, Ms Cara Foley and Mr Andrew Heggie, for their tireless dedication, guidance and advocacy, which have had a lasting impact on our students.
Wishing everyone a relaxing summer holiday and a Merry Christmas season.
