From the Upper School
A message from Mrs Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
As the girls attending the second Residential Program of the year gear up for their Term 2, Week 2 start at Vision Valley, they had a great chance to meet with the Vision Valley staff this week, building excitement for the upcoming adventure. Packing lists have been shared once again, encouraging students to use the holiday break to get ready for what promises to be a fun experience.
Additionally, this weekend marks the start of our International Exchange Program for 2024, with Jojo and Phoebe heading to Wrekin College in the UK. We wish them a safe and enjoyable time abroad and look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return. As the year goes on, we will say goodbye to more Upper School students going overseas, while also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our exchange buddies here at Pymble.
Exploring new opportunities is a fundamental aspect of the Upper School journey. We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our Year 9 and 10 students this term, both inside and outside the classroom. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the girls’ continued expansion of their horizons in the upcoming term and all the wonderful ways they have demonstrated Pymble Pulse. Our communications leader Alice Mao has collated student perspectives on what Pymble Pulse means to them which are represented in this word cloud.
We’re thrilled to see Upper School students actively engaging in opportunities within igsa and NSW sports pathways. Special congratulations go out to Riley Atkinson and Siobhan Hsu on qualifying for National Gymnastics, and Millie Cullinane and Scarlet Olsen for their selection in the NSW 1st VIII of the NSW Interstate Pathways Team. Additionally, we commend Sosha, Millie, Ariana, and Isla for their selection in the igsa Basketball and Touch Football teams.
Pymble’s AFL Intermediate team are premiers after a resounding victory against Loreto Normanhurst and will now represent us in the AGL State Cup in October, facing off against schools from all sectors. Additionally, Badminton 4, 5, 7, 11, 20 and the 1st Water Polo team emerged as champions. Congratulations to all the girls in these outstanding teams!
The Year 10 Drama elective girls were on stage last week in their production of FANGIRLS. Thanks to Verity Haslam for this reflection.
Following ten short weeks of rehearsal, the girls from the Year 10 Drama elective sang and danced their way onto the stage with Fangirls, an original Aussie musical. This comical musical is about four teenage girls who are majorly obsessed with a boyband’s adolescent British lead who has perfect hair and a smashing smile.
Abigail McKinnon dazzled in the role of Edna, the super-serious student who managed to successfully kidnap the all-important Harry played by Monique Strong and India Wells-Lister. Verity Haslam (Jules) and Matilda Hawkins (Jess), the over-the top, deliciously wicked twins, and Brianna played by Christine Weng, delighted the audience with their engaging antics and sassy retorts.
Salty, Edna’s online confidant, was played by the delightfully talented Mahi who flipped and dipped across the stage. And, the boy band, Harry’s support crew, who consisted of Jemima Groves-Berry, Holly Hogan, Chloe Brown and Livia Armstrong sang, pranced and unleashed their versatility on the unsuspecting audience.
Ms Pedavoli’s superbly directed poptastic musical delighted the audience and engaged all the girls from the Year 10 Drama group. A thank you must also be issued to the Year 9 Drama elective girls who assisted in making this a fabulous experience for all involved.
Thank you to the Upper School Liaison Prefects; Abigail, Chloe and Charlotte. On Monday, we organised an exciting activity for Year 10 students during their Mind-Body-Spirt time. There were two Year 12 prefects that joined each Compass class for a discussion about any worries or excitements the Year 10 students might have for entering Senior School next year. Some areas we addressed included study skills, friendships, balancing co-curricular activities and subject selection.
We also looked into how the HSC works and the range of opportunities available after school, such as university or gap years. The activity was aimed to relieve any stress or worries the girls might have towards entering Year 11 and 12, and to build their relationships with the Year 12 Prefects to make sure that they have someone to go to if they have any questions in the future, further bringing the school community together.
The activity was successful with the girls actively engaging in the conversation, and on behalf of all the Year 12s involved, we enjoyed discussing with them things we may have wished we knew in Year 10. We are looking forward to continuing this activity in later terms and continuing to build relationships between the Upper School and the Year 12 Prefects.
As we draw close to the end of another term, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering dedication, care, and hard work of the Upper School team. The commitment displayed by Mariel Lombard, Myvanwy Carr, Felicity Gray, Stephanie Attley, Peter Fathers, and the Administration team consisting of Sally Seymour, Anthea Deschamps, and Sabine Watts is truly commendable.
It is wonderful to be part of such a caring and supportive team, who tirelessly work to provide invaluable support to Year 9 and 10. Thank you for all that you do.
We understand that both students and staff alike are eagerly anticipating the April Holidays. We encourage the girls to utilise this time to its fullest, ensuring a fun, safe, and relaxing break. We eagerly anticipate the return of the girls to school on Tuesday 30 April.
Key Dates
TERM 1
Thursday 11 April Year 8-10 Learning Discussions – Evening
Friday 12 April Year 8-10 Learning Discussions – Pupil Free Day
Friday 12 April Last Day of Term
TERM 2
Monday 29 April Boarders travel day/Staff Day
Tuesday 30 April First day of Term 2
Friday 3 May Careers Expo (5.30-7.30pm) in Kate Mason Building
Sunday 5 May Residential Program Group 2 move to VV
Monday 13 May Mother’s Day Celebration at Morning Tea
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School