From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

Term 3 has been an exciting time for Upper School. We’ve settled into our beautiful new spaces, welcomed over 30 international exchange students and enjoyed our third Vision Valley Residential program of the year. The girls have worked hard, achieving great things both in the classroom and in their co-curricular activities. I’m sure everyone is feeling a bit tired, so I hope they take some time during the holiday break to relax and recharge for Term 4.

It’s been wonderful to see the common room bustling with activity, with girls connecting during break time and making good use of the kitchen space. We’re planning to add toasters and sandwich presses to enhance their experience. Next term, we’re excited to invite Year 8 students to join us in the common room during scheduled MBS times, fostering connections with Year 9 and giving them a taste of Upper School life.

A big thank you to all the girls, families and the Upper School team for their efforts in making last Saturday’s Garden Party a great success.

We were delighted to hear that Tara Sproules-Nath was awarded a Very High Commendation (one of twelve) in the Global Essay Prize (Junior Category) for the John Locke Award. Tara was shortlisted along with 6000 other students from a huge thirty five thousand students all over the world. A huge congratulations, Tara.

In Assembly on Tuesday, Jacaranda Awards for Term 3 were presented, along with Blue Colours and our Mathematic Prefects presented Katherine and Vivian with High Distinction awards from the Australian Maths Trust and Jenny He, a gold award in the Informatics Olympiad.

Term 3 Jacaranda Awards

The following students were awarded a Jacaranda Award for Term 3.

Year 9

Bennett A – Catherine Li

Bennett B – Raina Wang

Goodlet A – Lara Waterhouse

Goodlet B – Fleur Houston

Hammond A – Allegra Taubenschlag

Hammond B – Leura Sayers

Ingleholme A – Scarlett Mitchell

Ingleholme B – Amelia Gross

Lang A – Genevieve Bazina

Lang B – Isabella Roach

Marden A – Grace McSweeney

Marden B – Alannah Tang

Thomas A – Elisa Cui

Thomas B – Claudia Stretton

Wylie A – Ayeesha Dowerah

Wylie B – Amrita Marwah

Year 10

Bennett A – Grace Beck

Bennett B – Amber Li

Goodlet A – Sherry Duan

Goodlet B – Carrie Wilson

Hammond A – Claire Murphy

Hammond B – Jahle Tez

Ingleholme A – Macy Sun

Ingleholme B – Sienna Gortan

Lang A – Grace Walmsley

Lang B – Zuleika Whippy

Marden A – Zara Simpson

Marden B – Zara Pattinson

Thomas A – Michaela Kwon

Thomas B – Cindy Xu

Wylie A – Yuyin Luo

Wylie B – Rosa Kim

Year 9 Residential Program

A reminder for our upcoming Year 9 Vision Valley adventurers to check the packing list that was sent to them and organise (wear in) their hiking boots during the holidays.

Year 10 Upcoming Events

For our Year 10 students and families, we are asking that you complete the consent on the MyPymble parent portal for the Pymble-Shore Dance by Friday as final numbers are required at the start of the holidays.

In Week 6, next term, all Year 10 students will be involved in one of four OEP programs. This program is a compulsory part of the Year 10 program, and we look forward to supporting all girls to enjoy this fantastic opportunity to be in nature and be involved in a rewarding experience. Information letters and the links for consent and medical forms have been posted on MyPymble. It would be great if all parents could complete these by the end of term. We appreciate your support in this important part of your daughter’s journey at Pymble.

Thank you for ensuring all documentation is submitted by tomorrow afternoon.

We wish all our Upper School students and their families a safe and restful break. Special wishes to our students heading to the United States on the Science Tour on Saturday and to our returning exchange students. We look forward to hearing all about the holidays on students’ return on Tuesday 15 October.

Important Dates

TERM 4

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

Tuesday 15 October – First day of Term 4

Wednesday 16 October – International Exchange Information Evening ONLINE – NEW TIME

Friday 18 October – Year 10 Pymble Shore Dance at Miramare Gardens

Sunday 20 October – Year 9 Residential Program Group 4 begins at Vision Valley

Thursday 24/Friday 25 November – Years 7-9 Drama Production

Friday 25 October – Year 10 Study Day (All girls to remain at home – no classes being held)

Monday 28 October – Year 10 Examination Week begins and ends on Friday 1 November

Thursday 7 November – Year 9 Residential Program Term 4 Parent Evening Workshop

Wednesday 13 – Saturday November – Co-Curricular Dance Showcase

Saturday 16 November – Year 10 Namadji OEP begins at Vision Valley

Sunday 17 November – Year 10 Snowy River OEP leaves from James Kelso Field

Monday 18 November – Year 10 Murramarang Expedition and Blue Mountains Program depart from Pymble campus

Friday 22 November – Year 10 Murramarang Expedition and Blue Mountains Program return to Pymble campus

Monday 25 November – Year 10 Namadji and Snowy River Expeditions return to Pymble campus

Tuesday 26 November – Rest Day for Namadji and Snowy River students

Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 November – Year 10 Future You Festival on Pymble campus

Wednesday 4 December – 2024 Speech Day and Final Day of School Year

Monday 28 October – Year 10 Examination week begins