From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
It has been great to see Year 9 and 10 making the most of our beautiful common room. This week it was lovely to have the official opening of this space by Dr Hadwen and Ms Li-Enn Koo. We are very grateful for the foresight and planning of this space by many areas of the college and know that the space is going to be well used by many students in years to come. We are so proud of this space and being able to share with others how it is helping to build community in the Upper School.
For some of our Year 9 students, the final residential program of the year commenced on Sunday. Our Term 4 cohort have been settling into life at the valley with enthusiasm and apprehension. The first few days of the program focus on establishing new routines, connecting with peers and beginning to expand students’ understanding of real-world experiential learning in comparison to traditional school settings. They will have returned from an overnight camp in the Blue Mountains this afternoon and then they set off again on Sunday for a three-day expedition into the national park on the Central Coast which we are sure will be a rewarding experience.
After a fun evening at the annual Year 10 Pymble Shore Dance last week, we hope that they enjoyed the evening. Icebreakers can be awkward, just like school dances of old but they are proving to help build connections at the event and lead to increased conversation each year. Thank you to the student focus groups who planned and implemented these activities.
Year 10 Examinations
This week has been time for the Year 10s to put their head down in preparation for next week’s exam block. I encourage parents to read the portal notice about leave arrangements during the examination block to ensure that they are aware of the options available to them. It is important that all parents complete the form here.
We are so grateful that some of our Year 10 students can support the students at St Edmund’s school at several events each year. Angela Zhang has shared her reflection of her involvement this week:
On Tuesday I volunteered for the annual St Edmund’s Swimming Carnival held at Pymble, alongside 20 other Year 10 students. We were assigned various roles to interact with the St Edmund’s students and assist in the smooth running of the day, with some girls swimming alongside St Edmund’s students and others engaging in cheers and handing out ribbons for those who placed.
I was timekeeping with Rosa and Anais, joining in on chants and encouraging the swimmers as we coordinated with the runners. It was an invaluable experience, and seeing the joy and friendly competition was truly special. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate these children in their achievements, appreciating their determination and anticipation for their individual events alongside their pure excitement for their friends.
This opportunity deepened my understanding of how important it is to create spaces where everyone can participate and feel valued and I am extremely grateful for the experience, forming connections with both the students and staff of St Edmund’s alike.
Get your tickets now to The Government Inspector!
Don’t forget to book tickets for this week’s Year 7, 8 and 9 production in the GMCPA! It’s farce, and it’s famous – The Government Inspector. Click here to purchase your tickets. Don’t miss it!
Important Dates
Term 4
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
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School