From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

After a busy two weeks overseas exploring exchange partnerships, it is wonderful to be back home and settling into our beautiful new Upper School office and common room. It has been delightful to see the girls enjoying this revitalised space.

During my travels, I visited seven different schools and returned with fresh ideas; however, I am reassured and validated by the exceptional opportunities our students have here at the College. It is clear that Pymble is truly a top school, offering a world-class education that stands out even among the best.

Many of the schools I visited are keen to set up an exchange program with Pymble, so hopefully we will be able to offer this wonderful experience to more Year 10 students next year. For interested families, please look out for the notice about the exchange information evening later this term.

Each term, we have a special tradition where Year 9 students honour the latest group of girls who have completed the Vision Valley Residential Program. This Tuesday, we celebrated their achievements in successfully finishing this important rite of passage. It was lovely to meet with families of next term’s group earlier in the week and see the girls have the chance to connect with their peers in preparation for their trip.

A special thank you to Mariel Lombard and Peter Fathers for leading the Upper School in my absence and the entire Upper School team for continuing to support our Year 9 and 10 students so beautifully while also juggling the coordination of moving into our new home.

Student Achievements

Australian All Schools Cricket

Elizabeth Yates, along with Willa Pearson (Year 8), represented NSW at the recent Australian All Schools 15 years Cricket Championships in Mackay, Queensland. The NSW team finished third overall and Elizabeth has been selected in the All-Australian team. It was a fabulous tournament for Lizzie who was the second-highest wicket taker in the event. Congratulations to Lizzie on her performance and selection.

Duke of Edinburgh

Congratulations to the following Upper School students on being awarded their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Year 10

Christina Zeng

Year 9

Katherine Boyce

Eloise Fisher

Sophia Kok

Siena Parsons

Varada Vinay

Alexandra Hargraves

Year 9 Elective Geography Excursion

On Tuesday 3 September, the Year 9 Elective Geography classes received the opportunity to visit Towra Point in Botany Bay for an excursion, studying the oceanography of the landscape.

We had the incredible chance to learn from professional oceanographers and waded in seagrass ecosystems to catch small organisms such as fish, shrimp, and octopi. Additionally, we conducted an experiment comparing the thermohaline properties of estuary water to that of seawater. Using a micro lens, we were able to see small marine organisms that live within the seagrass, and further extended our understanding on how different organisms rely on each other in the ecosystem.

The excursion allowed us a more personable perspective in determining the effects of human activities, climate change, and other manmade or external factors in influencing the development of marine ecosystems. For instance, we used tools such as refractors, pH meters, and thermometers to examine the salinity, acidity and temperature of different water samples.

These samples were taken from normal ocean water and the estuary water, which we compared the results between. It was discovered that the salinity and acidity of both samples were extremely similar, due to the lack of recent rain, meaning more wind pushing water offshore and causing evaporation. The evaporation of water means that more salt molecules are left behind, thus contributing to the overall increase of salinity in the estuary water.

The overall experience was incredibly fun and engaging, and we were definitely able to grasp a deeper understanding of the oceanographic background of Towra Point!

Written by Angela Tao (Year 9) and Alannah Tang (Year 9)

Important Dates

Term 3

Tuesday 10 September – Year 9 Residential Program Term 4 Parent Information Evening/Student Icebreaker event

Thursday 12 September – Year 9 Subject Selection Evening ONLINE for Parents

Wednesday 18 September – 2025 International Exchange Information Evening

Friday 27 September – Boarder’s Travel Day/Last day of Term 3

Monday 14 October – Boarder’s Travel Day/Staff Day

Tuesday 15 October – First day of Term 4