From the Upper School

A message from Mr Tom Riley, Head of Upper School

Welcome back to Term 4! It was so exciting to see the girls back on Tuesday, refreshed, enthusiastic, and ready for the action-packed term ahead.

We welcome Felicity Gray to the Upper School this term to cover Adam Levin as Head of Year 10 whilst he heads off for six weeks of paternity leave. We are very excited for Adam and his young family and look forward to sharing his news. Felicity brings over 20 years of teaching experience about the team and has held positions of pastoral leadership. We are excited to share in her passion for helping young people navigate the journey of adolescence.

On Tuesday 28 November we will be holding an opportunity for our Year 10 students to meet parents in small groups to discuss their careers, industries and professional journeys as part of their Future You Week.

We would love to have you involved and would really value your generosity of time. We are asking for parent volunteers to be on campus between 8.00am and 10.30am, and encourage those interested to sign up by clicking here.

I was thrilled to be able to award Lauren Korenblyum with her Edstart Achievement Award on Tuesday for her social impact work. In 2022, Lauren coordinated a fundraiser for UNICEF in Ukraine that helped to raise thousands of dollars in support and importantly awareness of the devastating conflict. This year, she has continued to be of service by volunteering for the Humanitarian Project at Barker College. Her she helps to tutor English to Ukrainian and Afghan refugee children. We are so proud of you, Lauren!

Over the break Amelia Laing had an amazing opportunity and shares her experiences below:

From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September, I had the amazing opportunity to compete in the Youth Grand Prix Australia (also known as Youth American Grand Prix/ YAGP). During this experience I was able to attend two masterclasses and perform a variation in front of a panel of adjudicators, as well as it being shared via livestream around the world for schools and companies that were unable to come in person. From this, I have been awarded acceptance to the International Summer School in Volta Mantovana, Italy. This experience will include eight days of classical ballet and contemporary training, with the final day concluding with a gala to showcase our work. I am so beyond excited for this experience and to see what the future holds!

Congratulations!

In the Australian Mathematics competition the following students from Year 7 received a prize Isabel Chook, Kathy Huo, Yen Huynh. Amber Li, Year 9, achieved the prize for best in school. In the Australian Intermediate Olympiad, a four hour competition sat by students from Year 7 to 10, the following students received High Distinctions Year 8 Sophie Guo, Year 9 Amber Li and Year 10 Olivia Xu. Distinctions were achieved by Year 7 Chloe Shao, Alexa Wu and Year 9 Katherine Pan.

From the Upper School Parent Group

All Year 10 parents are invited to join Zoe and Pam for informal drinks this Friday evening. While the Year 10 students attend Shormal, we will be just around the corner at the Terrey Hills Tavern, 2 Aumuna Rd, Terrey Hills.

You can drop off your daughter then come for a chat, drink and light dinner from 7.20pm onwards. There is a table booked in Zoe’s name.

This is a very informal event, come and go any time that suits.

Last Sunday 8 October saw nearly 50 ladies enjoy a fabulous day of outdoor fun at Vision Valley for the inaugural Year 10 mother daughter day, convened by the USPG. This event was a first, being a non-residential experience specifically aimed at helping mothers and daughters share some fun in the great outdoors. The day included canoeing, archery and high ropes along with a ‘How well do you know Mum’ trivia quiz and a workshop on ‘Keeping formals stress-free’. The highlight would have to be our long lunch on the balcony, enjoying a tremendous view of Vision Valley in the sunshine with beautiful food. A sincere thanks to all the Vision Valley staff, especially Rebecca and Sam, for making this a day to remember.