From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
One of the Upper School’s key features is providing a range of experiences to ensure students develop their perspective whilst in this stage of their education. Year 10 have had their heads down this week for the examination block. This should help to ensure they understand that, whilst important, their examination block is not the be all or end all of their existence and their results and accompanying feedback help to guide them positively toward their experiences in the Senior School. The Futures team is working on a program of activities to further support the girls in this transition.
It was great to see several Upper School girls involved in the HerVillage Championship events over the last few weeks. Thank you to Sofia Altorf and Sienna Phair (Year 10) for sharing their experience:
Over the past few weeks, a few Upper School girls were given the opportunity to participate in the HerVillage Championship events. This program aims to welcome girls of recently arrived Afghan refugee families into our local community through soccer.
There were previously two meet and greet events with the refugee girls where we were able to introduce ourselves, share stories and engage with them through team building exercises. Last Sunday, we had our last event together, the Her Village Championships. We got to play a soccer match with the girls.
The day was vibrant and filled with culture through a variety of stalls, Afghan food and live music. Although our team didn’t win the soccer match it was an unforgettable experience filled with joy and laughter.
There has been lots of work behind the scenes this year to boost our international partnerships and provide opportunities for the girls to explore the world beyond Pymble. We have included some images of current and prospective schools that we are optimistic about sending students to in 2025. We encourage our Year 9 students to apply for a position in the International Exchange program in 2025.
International Exchange Program 2025
Students are invited to apply for the 2025 International Exchange Program. It is open to students in Year 9, 2024 and students studying the language in Year 9/10.
Exchange programs provide a broad educational experience for students and increase international and cultural understanding among young people. The experience will provide opportunities for selected students to travel internationally to live and study abroad, where they gain newfound cultural understanding as well as global perspectives. The program also involves reciprocal hosting whereby participating students, and their families host a visiting exchange student.
For further information on the International Exchange Program in 2025 (Cultural and Language) – click here.
Students wishing to be considered for this program must submit an application by the due dates (written or video).
2025 International Exchange Application Timelines
- Applications Open – Term 4, Week 1 – Friday 18 October 2024
- Applications Close – Term 4, Week 4 – Friday 8 November 2024
- Interviews – Term 4, Week 6 and 7, 2024 – students will be notified
- Places advised via email – Term 4, Week 8
Students who are participating in the Term 4 Year 9 Residential program will have until Wednesday 20 November for submission.
To apply for the Cultural Program (Year 10, 2025) – click here.
To apply for the Language Program (Year 10/11, 2025) – click here.
For enquiries, please contact Mrs Olsen – Exchange Co-ordinator studentexchange@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or +61 9497 7825
Important Dates
Term 4
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