From the Upper School
A message from Mr Tom Riley, Head of Upper School
What a scorching week of weather to end the term! I was proud that our girls were so supportive of their Year 12 sisters throughout their leaving ceremonies this week. It will not be long before they are up on the stage, and whilst it was very hot, it was great to see them singing and clapping their hearts out.
This week our Year 10s attended RYDA, a road safety education course that provides students with the tools, habits and motivation to stay safe on the roads throughout their lives as both drivers and passengers.
Please enjoy a reflection of the day from Amelia Laing (Year 10):
Year 10 had an amazing experience on Wednesday at RYDA, learning about safe driving habits and practices. The day included many interactive activities where we were able to gain first-hand experience that aimed to prepare us for the driving journey ahead of us. This included identifying potential hazards on the road, speaking with a police officer about the law, hearing a car crash survivor’s story, and watching a demonstration of a car suddenly breaking. Despite the heat of the day, the most memorable part was definitely the lessons that we will take with us as we get our L plates, P plates, and eventually, our full licenses!
As you may be aware, we have recently launched our 2024 Leadership applications for both Year 9 and 10. This year, in respect of feedback provided through our recognising and honouring surveys circulated in Term 1, we have modified our structures so that students are no longer able to hold leadership positions in consecutive years from Year 7-10. We hope that this affords our large cohorts more opportunity to be successful in achieving a leadership position and provides the associated chance for more students to have a meaningful impact on their school and peers.
In re-introducing the concept of leadership to our girls, we included lessons in their compass curriculum that explored the difference between intent and impact. I look forward to reading their applications and discussing the opportunity for change in their interviews. I share the humorous picture below as a reminder of the challenge, and opportunity, of leadership and encourage you to have purposeful conversations at home on the topic in sharing your own experiences.
From the Upper School Parent Group
Garden Party 2023
We would like to send a huge thank you to all the volunteers that helped on the day! The Heavenly Pancake stall had a great day and raised money for The Smith Family and Dignity, supporting those in our community in need and it was a great day to meet other parents and their girls. With out volunteer support the Garden Party can’t function so we thank you whole heartedly for your contribution!
Year 10 Mother Daughter Day at Vision Valley
Thank you to all those who have booked their spots for this event. Bookings have now closed, however our groups are such that we can fit a few more without causing issues. If your plans change and you would still like to join us, please contact Pam or Zoe through the holidays. We will send out attendance information shortly.
Year 10 parent social during Shormal
Pam and Zoe will be hosting an informal social at the Terry Hills Tavern while our girls are attending Shormal on Friday 13 October. Come along and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat and meet some year 10 parents. There is no need to book, but if you are hoping to join us, please drop us a line to help with planning.
Year 10 Zoe Green bzgreen@bigpond.net.au
Pamela McPherson bruceandpam@bigpond.com
Year 9 Kate Hart kate@countyconstruction.com.au
Christel Vigne vignechristel@gmail.com
Social media community groups:
PymbleLC Parents Class of 2025 (Facebook for year 10)
PymbleLC Parents Class of 2026 (Facebook for year 9)
PymbleLC USPG 2023 (Facebook for all Upper School parents)
Or please contact us for an invite to a WeChat group or Dads WhatsApp group.
Key Term 3 Dates
Friday 22 September – Last day of Term 3
Tom Riley
Head of Upper School