From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
Term 3 has been a rewarding and productive period for Upper School. We were delighted to welcome over 30 international exchange students into our community and to host the third Vision Valley Residential Program for the year. The common room has been alive with activity, academic assessments have been completed, and the holiday break is now upon us. Throughout the term, the students have demonstrated commitment and perseverance, achieving commendable successes across both their academic studies and co-curricular endeavours. As the term concludes, I hope the holiday period will provide a valuable opportunity for rest, reflection, and renewal in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of Term 4.
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.
Service – Hornsby Women’s Shelter Gala
A huge thank you to our Year 10 students who assisted at the Hornsby Women’s Shelter fundraising event last week. We are grateful that the girls gave up their Friday evening to support such a significant cause and did so with enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. You carried out your responsibilities with confidence, knowledge, and poise, leaving a truly positive impression. It was lovely to receive this feedback from a guest at the evening who commented below.
“I was so impressed by the way the students conducted themselves in a very adult evening quite formal environment. What struck me was their conversation which was relaxed, attentive, respectful and enquiring. Noticeable was each student’s warm style. It was my pleasure to chat with girls who could speak with intelligence about themselves and what they think is important, hold eye contact without distraction or diversion”
Well done to Imogen Kee, Hakone Liceralde, Isabelle Port, Isis Li, Chloe Wang, Milly Xu, Stella Sharp, Irisara O’Brien, Sophia Chen, Peita Christofis, Eve Goldsworthy, Laranya Nanthakumaran, Jacquelyn Zhu and Elisabetta Lollo
International Student Exchange
We are so happy to welcome back Riley, Serena, Skye and Charlotte this week after their month-long exchange in Buenos Aires. It was lovely hosting the St Philip students earlier in the term and to see beautiful friendships form during this time. The Pymble students were warmly welcomed on their return visit and have returned happy and excited to share their experiences.
Thank you to Charlotte for providing this reflection.
I had the amazing opportunity to go to Argentina on exchange alongside three other Pymble girls and two girls from St Catherines. We were in Argentina for a month, and for three weeks we went to school with them, where we were able to see how school compares to Australia. School was very fun and engaging, and it was interesting to experience a different style of learning. During the last week we were there they had spring break, which meant we were able to explore the city more and spend time with some of their friends.
One of the challenges was the language barrier, but it was also a great chance to learn some Spanish. One of my favourite parts was the food, it was all so good! I also loved a weekend we had away in the countryside. The views were stunning, and it was exciting to explore the little town. I even got the opportunity to attend a soccer match. The people there are so passionate, and the atmosphere was incredible.
There are many differences when comparing Argentina and Australia, but it was fascinating to see them in person. They were all so welcoming, and this made the experience even more special. Overall, this was an amazing opportunity, I had a wonderful time away, and I really hope to go back and visit!
2026 Exchange Applications are now open
A reminder for Year 9 students interested in applying for Exchange in 2026 that applications are open and can be submitted via the Exchange microsite
Please ensure you carefully read all program details before considering this opportunity. Both students and families should review the information thoroughly prior to submitting an application.
Cultural and Language Exchange – 2026 Timeline
- Applications Open: Term 3, Week 9 – Thursday 18 September 2025
- Applications Close: Term 4: Week 1 – Friday 17 October 2025
- Interviews:
- Term 4, Week 1 – Residential Program participants (Term 4)
- Term 4, Weeks 2-5 – all other applicants
- Places Advised: Term 4, Week 8 (via email). Second round offers will be made in Term 1, 2026
Students applying for the Term 4 Residential Program should submit applications early to allow for interviews in Week 1 of Term 4.
Term 3 Jacaranda Awards
Well done to all Y9 and Y10 students that have been recipients of the Jacaranda Award for Term 3. This is awarded for upholding our College Values consistently and is selected by each students Compass teacher.
Year 9
| Naomi Krajancic |
| Sophie Wei |
| Martina Dall’Asta Comin |
| Constance Law |
| Alana Blackman |
| Layla Lunney |
| Dakota Jiang |
| Ayla Gortan |
| Elizabeth MacPherson |
| Ginny Makan |
| Jemima Pomroy |
| Olivia Skeen |
| Phoebe Hutton |
| Emma McKindley |
| Zoe You |
| Sarah Joung |
Year10
| Camille Xiao |
| Emily Englund |
| Emily Chiang |
| Zara Orr |
| Elizabeth Lien |
| Karen Kim |
| Eden Orena Barlin |
| Evelyn Li |
| Cindy (Peng) Wang |
| Amber Eisenhauer |
| Tala Gubara |
| Willow Schmidt |
| Xielin Yan |
| Nicole Zhang |
| Isabel Neal |
| Georgia Buttling |
It’s a wrap for Term 3!
Wishing all students and their families a happy and safe break. We look forward to seeing the girls back for an exciting and busy term 4 on Tuesday 14 October.
I extend my sincere thanks to the outstanding Upper School team for their collaborative spirit and tireless efforts in ensuring that each student experiences a supportive and engaging school life. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals. I wish to acknowledge the Wellbeing team: Mariel Lombard, Stephanie Attley, Peter Fathers, Cara Foley, Andrew Heggie (whom we have been delighted to welcome back to Upper School in recent weeks), and Kelly Crowley, for their invaluable support and care of our students.
I would also like to thank our exceptional administration staff: Sally Seymour, Anthea Dechamps, and Sabine Watts, whose professionalism and efficiency ensure the smooth running of Upper School daily.
Key Dates for Term 4
First day of Term 4 – Tuesday 14 October
Week 1 Friday 17 October Pymble Shore Dance
Sunday 19 October – Term 4 VV Residential Program commences
Week 3 Monday 27 –31 October Year 10 Exams & Allwell Testing
Week 6 –7 Year 10 OEP – each camp start and end date noted below
Blue Mountains 24-28 November (4.30pm return)
Namadji 19-28 November (5pm return)
Snowy River 20-28 November (pick up 5.30pm)
Kangaroo Valley 24-28 November (4.30pm return)
Waves to Wilderness 24-28 November (4pm return)