A reminder to register your daughter for the Pymble bus service if you have not already done so. Registrations are essential, as we cannot guarantee a seat without a booking.
You can choose between a flexible registration, whereby you are only charged for the number of trips taken, or you can reserve a seat for your daughter for the full term.
Grey House Walk Closure – Alternative travel options
Grey House Walk remains closed during Term 3 and Term 4 to allow for the timely completion of Grey House Precinct. The College has introduced the following initiatives to support students who usually walk to school from Pymble Avenue via Grey House Walk.
Minibus Shuttle Service (Pymble Loop)
This shuttle travels down Livingstone Avenue and up Pymble Avenue via Courallie Avenue and Golfers Parade. This is a convenient way for parents to bypass traffic near the College on Pymble Avenue and Avon Road.
This supervised walking group is available for our Junior School students. It runs in the morning only, meeting from 7.30am at the entrance of Grey House Walk on Pymble Avenue, departing together at 7.45am. Register to join the walking group here.
Additional stops on our Hunters Hill Route (Bus 1)
The shuttle service is being supplemented by additional Pymble stops on our Hunters Hill route. These stops are free of charge during the closure of Grey House Walk. As seats are limited, bookings are essential to utilise this service and can be made here.
For further information on travelling to and from Pymble Ladies’ College, please contact College Services on (02) 9855 7447 or collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Year 12 Study Camps
Click the poster below to register.
From the Principal
Welcome back to Pymble for Term 3. We hope your daughters appreciated the jolliness of our first few days, thanks to our Year 12 students who, despite furiously preparing for their Trial examinations, planned Christmas in July festivities as a gift for us all to celebrate their last term on campus. We have a huge term ahead, with more new learning opportunities for all students – including the two-week Aviation and Space Expo in Weeks 6 and 7, which includes an ADF helicopter landing on the oval and Vanessa Hudson (Pymble alumna and CEO of Qantas) coming to speak to our students. We continue to have high expectations for each girl to stay curious,be open to different ways of seeing the world, and ‘have a go’ at something new in Term 3.
We’re incredibly proud of our continually evolving scope of programs and experiences on offer, all of them firmly focused on life after Pymble. Setting our students up for success beyond their school years is highly strategic work that relies on the expertise and vision of curious, innovative and future-focussed educators and leaders, which we are fortunate to have here in droves.
Attracting the best talent to Pymble is at the heart of our People and Culture strategy. We look forward to opening our Early Years School (EYS) in 2026 for little ones from six weeks of age as part of our employee value proposition, and I’m delighted that around 70 staff have already expressed interest in having their children attend our EYS.
So, as we begin the second half of the year, it is a great joy to shine a light on several staff members who exemplify the gold standard of teaching and learning we strive for across all areas of the College, at all times.
Congratulations to our new Doctors of Philosophy
Dr Reverend Cass Blake, College Chaplain Dr Mariel Lombard, Deputy Head of Upper School Dr Ryan Stewart, History Teacher – History, Society and Ethics faculty Dr Josh McDermott, History Teacher – History, Society and Ethics faculty
The number of staff with doctorates at Pymble continues to grow, with several more teachers working towards attaining the highest level of academic achievement in their discipline. Other notable, recently acquired qualifications of staff include:
Mr Justin Raymond, Deputy Principal – Students (K-12): Master of Educational Leadership. Ms Leanne Speechly, Head Coach– Swimming: Certificate IV in Elite Athlete Wellbeing, through the Wellbeing Science Institute.
We also congratulate our Engine Coach for Pymble Swimming, Mr Rafael Rodrigues, who has successfully coached Declan Budd, a member of our Knox Pymble Swimming team, all the way into the Australian Para team heading to Singapore.
For a further deep-dive into academic rigour at Pymble, we invite you to click through to the latest edition of Illuminate: Research and Innovation. Issue 11 features insightful contributions from 10 staff members on a range of topics under our Social Intelligence pillar, or you can browse any of the other editions of our back catalogue here.
Finally, I’d like to give a special shout-out to 13 staff members who received a Living Our Values Everyday (L.O.V.E.) Award on the Staff Day held prior to the commencement of the term. These peer-nominated awards were first introduced in 2021 to celebrate our unsung heroes who quietly go about making a difference to our College community. In 2025, the nominations criteria is focused on the behaviours and contributions associated with the value of Respect.
Congratulations to the following LOVE Award recipients:
Mr Aaron Kingsley, Science Teacher Mr Adam Moynihan, Legal Studies Co-ordinator Ms Catherine Smith, Acting Head of Learning Area – Mathematics Miss Katherine Kitto, Science Teacher Miss Monique Millett, PDHPE Teacher
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STAFF
Ms Gladys Yu, Administration Assistant – Performing Arts Ms Kristen Wright, Talent Acquisition Manager Miss Kate Inglis, Head of Year, Boarding Mrs Cristhina Boni Lavratti, Robotics Manager
Signing off with great anticipation for the term ahead and much respect for all the students, staff and parents who contribute to the exceptional learning community of Pymble Ladies’ College.
Please enjoy these photos of a few special achievements during the break…
Our Year 6 students leading the way as the first all-girls’ team to compete in the global Formula Goblin Greenpower Electric Vehicle racing challenge in the UK.
The delegation of Pymble students and staff who spent two weeks in Tanzania providing in-need communities with basic food, supplies, learning experiences and facilities, as well as friendship, care and respect.
Our Year 8 team proudly displaying their National da Vinci Decathlon championship winner’s cup (from left to right): Adele Jiang, Jennifer Kurniawan, Duola Lin, Arden Liceralde, Emma Ouyang, Annabelle Zhao, Penny Xing and Meii You, pictured with their fabulous coach and our Director of the Centre of Excellence, Mrs Debbie Tarrant.
From the Junior School
A Message from Mrs Kate Brown, Head of Junior School
Welcome to Term 3 and a warm welcome to our new students and their families to Junior School this term Xanthi (Year 1) and Khloe (Year 3) Audley, Chantal Cheung (Year 6), Leona Hao (Kindergarten), Grace (Year 1) and Suri (Year 2) Jiang, Amelia Liu (Year 1) and Isabelle (Year 5) Liu, Isla Warakadeniya (Year 4) , Jennifer Zhu (Year 2) and returning to our Junior School; Anna Leong (Year 6). We are so excited that your families have joined our Pymble family.
Kindness focus for Term 3
Our Junior School picture book for the year is Why Not? By Kobi Yamada, and within that text the reader is encouraged to ‘marvel at the beauty of this world….and… leave this world a little better than you found it’
Led collaboratively by our Kindness Leaders and our Sustainability Leaders, our kindness focus for this term is kindness to the environment. This term we are asking each of our girls to think of one small change they could make or one small act of environmental kindness they could do to help our planet. This could be taking care to ensure their rubbish goes in the correct bin, picking up rubbish they see lying around the College campus, learning to grow bee friendly plants, composting their food scraps or taking part in a local bush care project through your local council.
Congratulations
Huge congratulations to our phenomenal Snowsports team who excelled again this year on the slopes. With many exceptional personal achievements, the team achieved silver in the Junior division and many of our girls will now continue to State championships. Congratulations to all these girls who represented our Junior School as part of our Snowsports team:
Alpine Division 4 – Team placed 2nd Overall
Tina Wang (Year 5) 2nd
Christina Yang (Year 6) 7th
Ellie He (Year 6) 31st
Alpine Division 4
Emily Walker (Year 6) 24th
Catherine Wang (Year 5) 19th
Jasmine Smith (Year 5) 36th
Alpine Division 5 – Team placed 2nd Overall
Evelyn Zhu (Year 4) 2nd
Michelle Wang (Year 3) 7th
Yunuo Lin (Year 3) 6th
Makayla Cui (Year 3) 13th
Alpine Division 5 – Team placed 5th Overall
Clover Gong (Year 3) 15th
Evelyn Sang (Year 3) 26th
Chloe Zhang (Year 3) 39th
Alpine Division 6 – Team placed 2nd Overall
Anne Li (Year 2) 4th
Dorothy Zhao (Year 2) 5th
Amelia Hao (Year 2) 26th
Ellie Zhang (Year 1) 19th
Alpine Division 6 – Team placed 5th Overall
Hana Qu (Kindergarten) 45th
Katy Feng (Kindergarten) 23rd
Audrey Wang (Kindergarten) 39th
Hannah Xiao (Year 2) 44th
Moguls Division 4
5th – Catherine Wang (Year 5)
12th – Jasmine Smith (Year 5)
Moguls Division 5
3rd – Michelle Zhang (Year 3)
Snowboard GS Division 4 – Team placed 1st Overall
Christina Yang (Year 6)
Bella Geng-Yang (Year 6)
Ellie He (Year 6)
Snowboard GS Division 5 – Team placed 1st Overall
Michelle Zhang (Year 3)
Makayla Cui (Year 3)
Yunuo Lin (Year 3)
Snowboard GS Division 5 – Team placed 2nd Overall
Alyssa Wang (Year 4)
Reena Geng-Yang (Year 2)
Snowboard Cross Division 4
Chrstina Yang 8th
Bella Geng-Yang 7th
Ellie He 6th
Snowboard Cross Division 5
Michelle Zhang 1st
Makayla Cui 2nd
Eno Lin 4th
Alyssa Wang 8th
Reena Geng-Yang 12th
Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival
Last week, we celebrated our Years 3-6 athletes with their 2025 Athletics carnival. The day was a splendour of House spirit, enthusiasm and strong effort by all the girls. I loved watching the girls as they sprinted, jumped, ran and even hopped their way through the various rotations. One of the unexpected highlights of the day was seeing and hearing the girls’ delight as they bounced balls in the giant parachute! Congratulations to our House Captains who led their Houses with equal amounts of encouragement and pride.
100 Days of Kindy – Kindergarten Coordinator, Victoria Aikman
Kindergarten had a very special reason to celebrate this week as Monday marked their 100th day of school! Our celebration began with two wonderful performances, where the girls sang proudly and beautifully for their special guests. Afterwards our families were invited into the Kindergarten learning space to take part in a range of fun 100-themed challenges. Early engineering and design skills were on full display, with many incredible structures created using 100 stackable cups! The celebration ended with a joyful picnic lunch in the Kindergarten courtyard. Thank you to our families for helping us mark this memorable occasion!
Inspired by our Kindergarten girls and their journey at Pymble over the last 100 days, one of our Year 5 girls has written this poem:
100 days – by Maisie Borg (Year 5)
So many memories are made when you walk into the classroom
with ideas rushing through your head
You are nervous but excited
about all the adventures you have ahead
You think about the challenges and opportunities you may face
And know that you will face them with spirit and with grace
You meet someone new
They greet you with a smile
She seems to be an extremely kind child
The things you can do
The things you can imagine
The world is full of possibilities
So many memories already.
Deputy of Head of Junior School – Operations: Stephen Robinson
Arriving at School in the Morning
Please ensure your daughter arrives at school prior to 8.15am. Teachers are on duty in the playground and the K-2 drop off zone from 7.45am, allowing plenty of time to drop off prior to lessons commencing.
Arriving at school prior to 8.15am allows your daughter to not become rushed, to settle into the morning naturally and most of all, not miss any of the information shared when lessons commence.
Alternate Ways to School
Do you want to avoid the traffic in the morning? Consider dropping your daughter off at Grandview Street (near the train station) between 7.40-7.55am or Grey House Walk 7.30-7.45am. Junior School staff are at these locations between these times and walk students to school. This eases congestion with vehicles on Avon Road and within the College and allows students to undertake a little morning exercise.
Junior School Canteen Helpers
Thank you to the parents who gave up their time to volunteer last term. Term 3 dates are now available on the google form. Please click here if you can volunteer your time. For the care and safety of your daughters, all volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check Number (WWC). If we do not already have your WWC on file, please email to juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au your WWC number and date of birth so your WWC can be verified.
Message from Junior School Administration Office
A reminder to email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au when your daughter is late or needs to leave early. Please continue to use MyPymble to mark your daughter’s absence, for absence of two days or more please complete the Exemption from Attendance at School form or email though a medical certificate for illness.
After school arrangements for girls in YearsK-2, please email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have changes to your daughter’s afterschool arrangements in Term 3.
If your daughter is in Years 3-6 please update your daughter’s student diary with her new after school arrangements for Term 3.
Lost Property
Please ensure your daughter’s full name is clearly labelled on all items of clothing including socks, hats and lunch items so it can be quickly returned to her if it is found. White markers are recommended for all dark clothing items including socks and stockings. If you have already labelled your daughters items, please use the holiday period to check your daughters name can still be clearly identified on the clothing.
Important Dates for Term 3 - Week 2 and 3
Tomorrow Jeans for Genes Day Sausage Sizzle (pre-ordered).
Monday 4 August Academic Learning Discussions on campus
Tuesday 5 August Academic Learning Discussions on campus
Wednesday 6 August Academic Learning Discussions online
Tuesday 5 August Year 4 State Library incursion 2.00pm
Friday 8 August Walk-a-thon Y3+6 P5+6
Save the date:
Wednesday 13 August JSPG Term 3 Meeting
Friday 15 August Year 1 and Year 2 showcase: Pirates of the Curry Bean, 2.00pm and 5.00pm
From the Middle School
From the Head of Middle School Jenny O’Donnell
Welcome back to Term 3, I trust that everyone has had a great break. The girls have swiftly stepped back into routine and have already taken up a number of opportunities to connect and grow. We are very excited about launching the Speaking in Colour weaving workshop next week. We have 25 girls across Years 7 and 8 who have volunteered to learn new skills and build understanding around First Nations culture. The collaborative project will run across 10 weeks with the intention of creating a woven installation piece for Middle School. I will keep you updated around this important initiative.
I would like to acknowledge all of the students involved in the College NAIDOC celebrations on Tuesday. Jade George, Narla Bron, Milly Farr, Sarah Swan-Cole, Havana Greentree- Fuller, Lailahni Blake, Kyilista Gibbs, Islah Washington and Makiitah Washington, representation from Middle School was outstanding with each of our First Nations students playing an important role whether that be through sharing personal stories and dreams, traditional dance, addressing the audience from the stage or via video. Your enthusiasm and pride are to be celebrated.
Good luck to the Year 8 students: Milly Farr, Havana Greentree-Fuller, Narla Bron, Aliya Singh, Lillie Oldfield, Adele Cassidy, Ava Welton, Chloë Lenane and Ellie Lau, who will be travelling to Central Western NSW next week to help out at the Goodooga Games. We know you will be wonderful ambassadors for Pymble. Thank you to Mrs Budd and Ms Gardiner for accompanying them.
Middle School Christmas in July
As students returned to campus, the College celebrated Christmas in July, bringing some festive cheer to the start of the new term. The Middle School and College grounds were decorated to celebrate, and the girls even had a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus. Our Middle School students had the opportunity to participate in a range of festive Gloucester Gathering activities, including Christmas Karaoke, Christmas card making and bauble decorating. Bauble decorating was a special activity run by our Head Girls, Ang-Ya Koo and Emily Abadee.
Musical Performance Achievements: Jessmay Facer Year 8 Reflection
Being in Carmen has been the most incredible experience, and I’ve met so many amazing people that have shaped my world in the past couple of months. The role of the Children’s Chorus in Carmen is to run around the stage acting like soldiers in Act One and be a part of a Spanish festival in Act Four. Although the late nights are tiring, it is all worth it being a part of this incredible journey! The audition process consisted of picking a classical or musical theatre song/aria and singing it before the Children’s Chorus Master, Micheal Curtain. Around 280 children applied, so it was such an honour to be selected out of the 14 to be in the show! Everyone in the Pymble community has been so kind and thoughtful during this time, and I hope to try for other children’s parts in the future!
Cycling Achievements: Sylivia Dagg Year 8 Reflection
‘Throughout Term 2 and during the holiday break I competed in several mountain biking and cyclocross competitions in preparation for National Championships held in August. One of my favourite events was a Cross Country Mountain bike race that was part of the NSW State Series. Held at Mogo, in Batemans Bay, the course had steep uphill climbs, fast and flowy downhills, then a technical rocky descent. I really enjoyed the racing and managed to come away with a win in U15 Girls!
Key Dates Term 3
Year 8 Goodooga Games and Cultural Immersion – Tuesday 5 August to Friday 8 August
Year7 Igsa – Friday 22 August
Year 7 Science Excursion to the Zoo – Thursday 11 September
Y8 Outdoor Education – Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September
Garden Party – Saturday 20 September
From the PPA
🍭 Let’s Make the Middle School Stall a Sweet Success 🍭
The Pymble Garden Party is our school’s biggest community event of the year – a day filled with rides, food, market stalls, music, and fun for all ages. It’s open to everyone and raises funds for two amazing charities: Mahboba’s Promiseand the HerVillage Foundation, both supporting women and children doing it tough.
This year, the Middle School Stall (run by Year 7 and 8 families) will be selling lollies and “spiders” (soft drinks with a scoop of ice cream). They’re always a hit!
To help make the stall a success, we’re asking each family to do two simple things:
Make a contribution ($10–$25) to help cover the cost of supplies. This means we can raise more on the day, with every dollar going to the charities.
Volunteer for a one-hour shift on the stall. Parents only (no kids please). It’s light, easy, and a great way to meet other parents. Shifts are limited, so get in early: Sign up for a shift here
Thanks so much for supporting the Middle School Stall – every bit helps us create something special.
Georgiana (Tilly’s Mum) & Mandy (Grace Scammell’s Mum)and your Class Reps
————————————————————————————————————————
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
It has been a pleasure to welcome five new students to the Upper School this term, along with many visitors. Over the first month, our community has been enriched by visits from four students from Milingimbi Island who are attending the Vision Valley Residential program; an orientation visit from a prospective Foundation scholarship student; and 22 students participating in our International Student Exchange program. We hope our visitors have a wonderful experience at Pymble, and we extend our gratitude to the girls and their families for helping ensure everyone enjoys a welcoming and enjoyable stay.
Tanzania Service Trip
ByLeander McLaughlin
Last Holidays I was lucky enough to be involved in an eye-opening trip to Tanzania. It was a highly anticipated trip due to the three terms prior spent fundraising and collecting donations. The first week of the trip was spent with the children at the East Meru Community school where we participated in playground games, teaching classes and learning about the local lifestyle. After a sad departure from East Meru, we spent three days on a safari where we saw all sorts of amazing animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and more. The last part of our week was spent at St Jude’s school where we were able to see ways in which St Jude is actively helping to fight poverty. My highlights of the trip included, the games and connections made with the children at East Meru, the dancing and singing from the staff at all the hotels, the trips we made out to houses to scout the next intake of students at East Meru, our visit to the Maasai markets and our visit to the maternity hospital. Something that I will never forget is the everyday attitude and outlook on life that the Tanzanian people had. These people, despite having very little, brightened everyone’s days with friendly smiles or a cheerful ‘Jambo’ (meaning Hello).
This was a heartwarming experience that I enjoyed thoroughly.
By Varada Vinay
In the recent holidays, we had the opportunity to go to Tanzania for two weeks, where we participated in various activities and experiences that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture. Some activities included volunteering at two schools, East Meru Community School and St Jude’s, going on a 3-day safari, visiting a Maasai village, and practicing our bargaining skills at the village markets. My favourite activities were spending time with the children at East Meru by playing games and sharing stories. It was really interesting to hear the experiences that many of the kids had to go through. Some of them walk nearly 2-3 hours just to get to school but still remain curious and enthusiastic every day. Another experience I enjoyed was going to the barbecue restaurant Khans in the city in Arusha. This place operates as a mechanic during the day and a restaurant at night which was very interesting and different to Sydney. Overall, it was a very worthwhile experience and I enjoyed it a lot!
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Joy who competed at the Sydney Eisteddfod recently winning 1st prize for 18th century Piano (15 & 16 Years). She played the first movement of Mozart Piano Sonata K.333 beautifully, as the adjudicator had commented:
“Great work, Joy, this was a really compelling performance. B Flat Major, especially for Mozart, is quite a noble key, and you interpreted this in your performance with great clarity and poise! What I especially loved was that you were very aware of the operatic qualities in Mozart.”
Key Dates
Term 3
Year 10 Commerce Tour to Melbourne – Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 August
Year 10 Subject Selection choices for Year 11 DUE – Friday 8 August
Year 10 RYDA Excursion – Wednesday 20 August
Garden Party – Saturday 20 September
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
Welcome to Term 3 – a significant term, especially for our Year 12 students as they move into the final stretch of their school journey. This term is rich with both expectations and celebrations. Trial examinations, HSC major works, and final assessments all loom large, but so too does the joy of marking graduation and the culmination of years of hard work and growth.
Balancing academic pressure with the excitement of what’s to come can feel overwhelming at times. It’s important that our students know they are not alone – teachers, parents, and peers are all here to support them. We encourage open conversations about stress and wellbeing, and remind our students to take breaks, prioritise sleep, and ask for help when they need it.
Celebrating the little wins, staying connected with friends, and approaching each challenge with perspective can make a big difference. As we navigate this term together, we will continue to champion a culture of care, respect, courage, and resilience.
Attending School During the HSC Trial Examinations
Year 12 students are welcome to attend school to study during the Trial HSC examination period.
Please note that students must:
Wear full school uniform.
Sign in and out at the Front Office upon arrival and departure.
If they would like to check in with a teacher, please ensure an appointment is made to confirm their availability.
This allows us to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students on campus during the exam period.
Reminder for Year 12 Parents: Valete Booklet and Graduation Celebrations
Posted to the Parent Portal late last term, the Valete Booklet outlines key details and RSVP links for our upcoming Graduation events. It also introduces some new traditions that our Year 12 students have chosen to embrace as part of their farewell.
In keeping with their values of inclusivity and and sustainability, the girls have decided to retire the tradition of releasing doves and instead mark their graduation with a symbolic and joyful moment: “Hats to the Sky.” This new celebration reflects the spirit and unity of the graduating class and their desire for all students to take part in this special milestone together.
We look forward to sharing these meaningful events with our Year 12 students and their families.
Reminder for Year 11 Parents: Knox–Pymble Social Reminder
A new item was posted on the Parent Portal late last term, outlining the details for the upcoming Knox–Pymble Social. This exciting event is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and celebrate the end of Year 11.
Please note that RSVPs are closing soon, so we encourage families to respond promptly to secure a place. The letter with full details is available at the following LINK
Immersion Trip to Kakadu and Darwin
By Anais McDonald and Grace Santoso
At the start of the Winter Holidays, 11 students from Years 9 to 11 set off on a week-long adventure to Darwin. After a late-night arrival, we dove straight into our itinerary the next morning with a visit to Charles Darwin University, followed by exploring the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where we learnt about Cyclone Tracy and admired incredible Indigenous art. The day ended with a stunning sunset from the CDU rooftop.
On Tuesday, we began our journey to Kakadu National Park for several nights of camping. After a fun drive (with a live crocodile sighting), we set up camp and prepared for the days ahead. Wednesday started with breakfast around the campfire before meeting Duncan, our tour guide, who led us through Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We explored Indigenous rock art, visited an art centre with bark paintings and wood carvings, and enjoyed lunch by a peaceful billabong before ending the day with butter chicken and stories around the campfire.
Thursday’s highlight was a weaving workshop using native plants, followed by a river cruise where we saw crocodiles up close and learnt about local plant uses. We ended the evening reflecting on the lessons we’d take home.
Friday marked our final day in Kakadu, starting with a quiet breakfast and packing up camp before visiting the Kakadu Visitor Centre. We then returned to Darwin, spending our last night watching the sunset at the Waterfront, the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.
Service Trip to Tanzania
By Helen Huang and Holly Hogan
On the first day of the Term 2 holidays, 16 students and 3 teachers began our journey to Tanzania, flying via Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam before reaching Kilimanjaro. We stayed at Airport Planet Lodge for five nights, starting each day with breakfast before heading to the East Meru Community School. The 45-minute bus rides were filled with laughter and games like ‘Zimmy Zimmy’. Our first day coincided with the students’ graduation ceremony, a special moment to celebrate their hard work.
Over the next few days, we played games, learnt dances, and connected deeply with the students. Cultural activities like frying bananas and balancing buckets of water added to the experience. A day trip to Arusha National Park wrapped up our time at East Meru, and saying goodbye was bittersweet.
Between school visits, we embarked on a 3-day safari. We explored Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, where we saw elephants, giraffes, lions, flamingos, and even rhinoceroses. The safari was a refreshing pause, giving us time to reflect on our experiences.
Our time at St Jude’s began with a campus tour and videos about the school. We took part in home visits, paired up with students to help improve their English, and shared conversations that often turned into lively chats about TV shows and maths questions. We also visited Maternity Africa hospital to pack pregnancy kits, shopped at the Maasai Markets, and enjoyed a feast at Khan’s BBQ. On our final day, we visited a Maasai family, dressed in traditional clothing, and gifted a goat as a thank-you for their warm hospitality. The next morning, we set off on an early flight back to Sydney, carrying with us memories we will never forget.
Term 3 Dates
1 August – Year 12 Study Day
4 – 18 August – HSC Trials
1 – 12 September – Year 11 Exams
24 September – Year 12 Picnic Clontarf – Students only
25 September – Graduation Assembly – Students Only
26 September – Year 12 Speech Day, Farewell Chapel
26 September – Valedictory Dinner
Patricia Gallardo
Acting Head of Senior School
From the Boarding School
Welcome back to Term 3! It has been a busy but happy start to the new term, with all the girls naturally falling back into the full swing of Boarding life.
Term Break works
While I hope you were enjoying some well-deserved downtime over the break, it was a busy time on campus –
20 of our Year 12 Boarders stayed with us in Lang House for the first week of the ‘holidays’ so they could participate in the Study Camp. My congratulations go to the girls who worked so hard during this time along with my thanks to our wonderful Boarding staff who made this possible.
Our Facilities Team did a fabulous job of installing a new kitchen in Goodlet House. The girls are loving the fresh and functional design and are thrilled to have the option of baking in house!
The offices in Marden, Lang and Goodlet Houses were treated to a makeover and are sparkling with fresh paint and new carpet.
New technology lockers were installed in Goodlet and Marden Houses.
The quiet achievers of agricultural advocacy – our Boarders and their families
Many of you will know Amanda Ferrari, the Director of Boarding Schools Expo Australia. Amanda and her team do a great job, they are wonderful advocates for Boarding and regularly share relevant articles. Towards the end of the term break, Amanda published the following piece, which I am sharing with permission, and it reminded me of how lucky we are to have such a thriving Boarding community at Pymble. It also filled me with gratitude for our wonderful country families who do load up the wagon with Day girls over the holidays, echoing the generosity of our local families who step in so willingly to support our Boarders throughout the term.
AN OPEN LETTER UPON REFLECTION…
To the quiet achievers of agricultural advocacy. Our boarders and their families. Wherever you call home.
It’s school holidays again. They roll around quickly. Right across rural and remote Australia there are families reunited. Together again for the ordinary. For the joy. For the day to day of life at home.
Then there’s the city kids and international students experiencing our way of life for the first time. The crop inspections. The dust settling as the truck heads off to the sale yards. The collection of eggs on a cold winter’s morning. The yarns around the campfire. The trips to town. The picnic races. The cordial parties. The camp drafts and rodeos.
The connections to rural and remote Australia are being forged so deeply they will never be broken, memories being made that will never be lost. These are our school holidays.
At a time when the divide between city and country feels insurmountably wide, there’s a quiet and powerful kind of agricultural (and rural regional) advocacy happening throughout the bush. It’s not delivered through social media campaigns or formal lobbying, but through friendships formed on the ovals, in the dorms, and around the lunch tables of our Australian boarding schools.
Agricultural bodies often struggle to be heard – their messages about food security, fibre production, sustainability and the devastation of drought can be hard to translate into everyday relevance for the average Australian. Yet quietly, gently, one rural boarder at a time, our boarding schools are doing what no billboard or parliamentary inquiry can: nurturing a genuine understanding of life on the land and in our rural towns.
More and more, we’re seeing that many kids – particularly those growing up in our big cities – are disconnected from where their food and fibre comes from. The statistics are startling: at the recent Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia’s (PIEFA) conference it was highlighted that three-quarters of Year 6 students think cotton comes from an animal. That cows are still milked by hand into a bucket. It’s no wonder that agricultural literacy feels like a forgotten subject in many classrooms.
But in the boarding house, where country kids often bunk in with city kids and international students, or sit in classrooms together, something different is happening. There’s a kind of grassroots advocacy going on. These aren’t policy debates or school projects – this is the real thing. Real conversations. Real exposure to rural life. A culture shared not by lecturing, not by glossy media campaigns, but simply by living alongside each other.
And let’s be clear – this isn’t new. For generations, country families have sought broader educational opportunities for their children beyond what’s available in rural and remote communities. It’s been a long-time response to the postcode penalty. But today, more than ever, the role of country boarders in city schools feels vital somehow. Urgent even.
At the 2023 Australian Boarding Schools Summit, the panel discussion Country Culture in the Boarding House opened up this very conversation. One of the speakers, Natalie Kenny from North Queensland, spoke about the joy of having her kids’ school friends – from cities and overseas – spend time on their cattle station. There, they got a crash course in everything from growing fodder crops to feed lotting cattle. Over dinner, they chatted about the ethics and logistics of live export. The moral obligation of countries like Australia to ensure that third world countries have access to protein even though they have no access to refrigeration. And every moment of it was real. Unfiltered. Life on the land, shared firsthand.
These moments aren’t limited to one property or one family. Hosting city kids has been happening for as long as I can remember. In fact, it was my introduction to the country – as a teenager visiting a boarder friend’s family in the bush. I’ll never forget the feeling of crisp, clean air. The frost beneath my impractical city sandshoes. The stars… oh my the stars.
And it didn’t matter if the boarder was off a farm or from a town. Just being part of that community – hanging in the main street, mucking around on the tennis courts, popping into the local bakery. Everyone knew my host family. The newsagent wanted to know how school was going. It all left a mark. It planted something in me. That sense of belonging, of connection, of knowing where things come from and how they’re grown – I’d never experienced that in the city.
For me, the impact was life changing. I went country… full throttle country. I didn’t last at University in the city, instead I headed to Ag college and before I knew it, I’d made a life on the Central Western Slopes and Plains of NSW. Married a farmer. Raised country kids who themselves went off to boarding school – and brought home their own crop of city friends for the holidays.
And there I was, the girl from the city, teaching a teenager from Sydney how to start a syphon. Explaining where their jeans come from as we drove past cotton fields. Cleaning out troughs on a frosty morning and talking about the importance of clean water for our livestock. Wrapping up harvest with a couple of icy cold ones and a pot of freshly caught yabbies. Chasing chooks into the pen on dusk with a few haphazard city kids. I had become that country mum, that quiet advocate for rural Australia and I know, from lived experience, that it matters.
Because in those moments, minds are opening. Perceptions are changing. And while we’re not handing out flyers or lobbying for headlines, we’re doing something just as powerful. We’re building bridges.
So bravo to our boarding schools – the ones filled with day students and city families who openly admit their school would feel hollow without its country boarders. These schools are more than just places of learning – they’re melting pots of culture, connection and genuine advocacy.
And bravo to our boarders who fill the wagon with their city mates and have rural parents all over the country navigating logistics, cooking up a storm. And all the while they’re advocating through friendship what it means to be rural. Truly rural. What it means to live on the land, in the small towns and our regional centres.
If you’re looking for a reason to be hopeful about the future of agricultural literacy in Australia, look no further than the boarding house. You’ll find it there – in the muddy boots, ripped work shirts, and open hearts of the next generation.
It’s the ultimate collaboration: rural boarders x agricultural advocacy.
The Australian Government has broadened the eligibility for the Tertiary Access Payment, a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help students from regional and remote areas with the cost of moving for tertiary study. You can find more information here: Eligibility for Tertiary Access Payment Expanded to Include Gap Year Students.
House Hoodie ?
Our Boarders’ Representative Council (BRC) are a busy Boarder group who meet fortnightly to provide feedback and develop initiatives for our Boarding family. Last term, following feedback from the various year groups, they designed a House Hoodie for the girls who live in Marden and Goodlet Houses. The hoodies cost $50.00 each. If you would like your daughter to have one, please complete the following online form:
It was apparent we were back into the swing of things with our weekend activities. Year 12 reconnected on Friday night in Lang House with treats and games. Year 7 and Year 10 enjoyed a Saturday evening in Avonmoore enjoying each other’s company and some laughs. It was a very relaxing evening with a variety of games such as UNO and Jenga. A trip to the Northern Beaches rounded out the weekend. Boarders travelled by train and ferry to Manly. Whilst it was cold the sun did shine providing opportunity to walk along the Corso and browse the markets.
We have a very busy weekend ahead with activities celebrating NAIDOC Week, TASFest, a trip to the movies and our community event with the wider Pymble Gordon Uniting Church coming to share a chapel service and brunch with us.
Hi, my name is Stella. I’ve been here, there, and everywhere, but since moving back to Australia, I have been living in the Hunter Valley, in a suburb called Bolwarra. I live in a lovely family house with my parents, my two brothers, and my dog, Bertie. My dad works in the trading industry, and my mum does part-time teaching at the grammar school near our house. (Fun fact: she used to work at Pymble.) I have two brothers—Johnny, who is ten years old and goes to school at home and Eddie, my older brother, who is 17 and currently in Year 11 at Joeys.
So far, my life has involved a lot of moving around, and the view from my window has changed quite a bit—about ten times throughout my life. Each house and view has been different: from looking out over other apartments, to seeing farm animals, to gazing at a park, to my own backyard, and now finally looking out over my suburb while watching the sunset. When I do come home, I love the comforting feeling of seeing the sunset every night something I’ve learned to appreciate after living in the city for a while. I can assure you, it’s much better seeing the sun lower over the river and the land too. It is also so quiet now. Where in the past I would fall asleep to the sound of sirens and buses, now it’s only the sound of Bertie snuggled up next to me.
What I have learnt after moving so many times is home is not so much about the house you live in but the family that surround you wherever you are. Coming to Boarding in Year 8 was one of the best things to happen to me because I now know that for the next three years of my life, I will always have that “home away from home” to come back to and friendships that are as close as family I will cherish for life.
Boarder of the Week
Congratulations to our first Boarder of the Week for Term 3, the very deserving Annika. Annika joined us from Moree in Year 7. Now in Year 10, Annika is absolutely delightful in every way. She is kind and thoughtful, organised and tidy and works hard in the Learn It program. She is a wonderful ‘big sister’ – taking the time to be with the younger Boarders and sharing her experiences with wisdom and empathy. Annika has a gentle sense of humour and can always be relied on for a smile. A proud Marden Boarder, we are certainly pleased to call Annika one of ours.
Save the Date
3 August – Community Day 9.00am- 12.00pm (no leave during this time)
4-14 August – HSC Trial Examinations
31 August – Dads and Daughters – Burgers and Bowls Father’s Day Celebration
19 September – Boarder Parent Group Meeting followed by FABBA event
20 September – Garden Party
25 September – Farewell to Year 12 Chapel Service (all Boarders required to be in attendance) followed by Year 12 Celebration dinner for Year 12 Boarders and their families
25 September – Boarders’ Travel Day
26 September – Year 12 Speech Day and Valedictory Dinner
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Futures Team
Welcome to Term 3
As Term 3 unfolds, our Senior School students are actively navigating their post-school pathway planning, with Year 12 focused on Trials and university applications, and Year 11 beginning to explore opportunities beyond the HSC. This week’s Futures update highlights key university visits to campus, important early entry and overseas application deadlines, updates to elite athlete admission schemes, and a reminder about reference processes. We encourage families to review the notice and discuss any relevant opportunities with their daughters as they take the next steps in shaping their future beyond Pymble.
Internal Pymble Events / Masterclasses
The events during school time are open to interested students in the year groups listed.
There are two afterschool events parents are also welcome to attend.
The Winter term break was a busy time for students participating in work experience and immersion opportunities. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight an experience and publish student reflections.
FINANCE – ANZ
Chloe Browning – Year 11
The program was fantastic and incredibly well organised. They went into depth about complex and interesting subjects relating to global markets and investment banking. I had the opportunity to learn about commodities, rates and the fast-paced life of FX, which gave me a real insight into how global markets operate and how quickly things can change. Additionally, they provided real life experience, by offering us the chance to sit with traders and salespeople out on the floor. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and very receptive to questions. I appreciate how clearly and in-depth things were explained. We certainly gained a deeper understanding of what the world of finance is really like.
I cannot recommend the program highly enough and I truly hope it continues to be offered next year so that more girls can take part and develop their interest in this field. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity, it has been an invaluable experience. It’s one I will carry forward as I continue to explore a future in finance.
Layne Phillips – Year 11
During the Term 2 holidays, I was fortunate enough to attend the ANZ work experience program. This was such a fantastic opportunity to apply what I had learn in the economics classroom to a real-world scenario and learn a tremendous amount that cannot be learned within the classroom. During my time at ANZ, I was able to learn all there is to know about Global markets, coming home every day feeling like I had learned a new language. My favourite part of the experience was job shadowing with those who Trade Foreign Exchange, sell commodities like Gold and those who sell the product to the clients. I could see myself working in an industry like this in the future, and attending the work experience program was a fantastic way to understand how to enter the industry, learning from those who have been there for 30 years or just one year. It was fascinating to see what it is like to work at one of Australia’s largest banks and how the bank operates itself. Everyone was so welcoming and answered all of my questions in such depth, yet in a way that I was able to understand. Thank you to everyone who was involved in setting up this program for us. It was beyond amazing, and I highly encourage anyone interested in Finance to give something like this a go to see what it is like first-hand.
Emma Geng – Year 12
During my work experience in ANZ’s Institutional Banking division, I was introduced to the Commodities, Rates, and Foreign Exchange (CRFX) desk. I gained insight into how the bank supports corporate and institutional clients in managing risk related to currency fluctuations, interest rate changes, and commodity price volatility. I observed how traders and sales teams collaborate to structure hedging solutions tailored to clients’ exposures, and how macroeconomic data and market movements influence real-time decision-making. I learned about key financial instruments such as forwards, swaps, and options, and sat in on discussions about managing client portfolios across different sectors. This experience enhanced my understanding of global financial markets, risk management strategies, and the role of ANZ as a market-maker. I also assisted with basic research tasks, shadowed professionals across the trading floor, and gained exposure to Bloomberg terminals. The placement sparked a strong interest in financial markets and deepened my appreciation for institutional finance.
Events Calendar – Term 3 and 4
From the Chaplains
Honouring NAIDOC week
This Sunday we will celebrate 48 years of the Uniting Church in Australia. As a proud school of the Uniting As we celebrate NAIDOC week I wanted to share with you a prayer that was written by Mikenzie Ling, proud Aboriginal Christian woman of the Wiradjuri nation from Narromine (NSW), for NAIDOC Week 2025. I have adapted it slightly for our school context.
Mikenzie is the First Nations Peoples Strategy and Engagement Consultant for the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT. She holds a Masters of Theology focusing on Indigenous Land Theology. If you would like to hear more from McKenzie, there will be a free forum of First Nations theologies on Saturday 9th August at Thornleigh Hillcrest Uniting Church from 9am-1pm ‘Walking the Way: Discerning Spirit, Telling Truth, Seeking Solidarity’. Further details follow the prayer.
Let us Pray
Creator God,
From the first hovering, you have dwelt in this place.
Since the empty deep was spoken into light, and there was evening and there was morning, you have been present.
As darkest nights have slipped into soft dawns, and as proud dancing has seeped gently from mourning, you have been here with us. You have been good.
Creator God,
Where could we go from your Spirit? We know your presence all too well.
Your faithfulness has stayed near, sustaining us like gum leaves sweeping the dust before our feet.
Our delight is in you, and we rejoice in the lore you have passed into our hands.
We have been made as trees planted by the stream – come fire, flood and famine, still we are unyielding green, fruit unfailing in the seasons, and your grace lingering as quiet inner strength.
Creator God,
You appointed the First Peoples of these lands, marking and entrusting your creation into our care.
May we continue to encounter you here, as our Old Ones have down all our generations, meeting you in Country and perceiving you through the wonder of our created kin.
Our legacy reaches far into the past and it envisions the future, without fear. In you Lord, we laugh at the days to come.
Creator God,
As we look to the next generation, we pray they would be strengthened by the groundwork of their Elders and rise to honour the shared vision of our communities.
As they carry the torch and now shape the future, Lord let them be guided by the wisdom you have passed down through our ancestors, and continue to build a legacy of unity, respect and self-determination.
Creator God,
In loving-kindness you have dwelt and still dwell, in this place.
Bind us ever closer as we now walk forward together, honouring where we have come from and looking boldly to the next generation.
Amen.
Rev. Danielle Hemsworth-Smith
College Chaplain
From the Co-curricular Sports Team
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Co-curricular Administration
CO-CURRICULAR ADMINISTRATION
Sally Davidson, Head of Co-curricular Administration
Term 2 Performance Awards
Congratulations to the Term 2 Performance Awards winners. Please click here for a full list of students who received awards. This list has been sent to the uniform shop for pockets and certificates for Red and Blue Awards are with school offices to hand out.
Communications
PLEASE NOTE:All communication regarding Co-curricular programs throughout the term will be distributed via the MyPymble app. If you have not yet downloaded the app, please click here to do so.
Term 4 Saturday Sport Registrations
Registrations are now OPEN for Term 4 Saturday Sports.
Registrations must be completed prior to the system closing at 12.00pm on Friday 8 August. Please access the online registration via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent or carer log in is required to be able to register. If you require any assistance with completing your registration, please contact Co-curricular Administration at ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9497 7848.
A reminder that registrations must be completed online and cannot be processed over the phone or via email.
Reminder notices will be posted on the Pymble App before registrations close.
The Term 4 Sports available for registration include:
igsa Touch Football (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
igsa Tennis (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
igsa Water Polo (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
Santa Sabina Volleyball (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings/afternoon)
Rowing – Summer season (Years 7 to 12)
IPSHA Basketball (Years 3 to 6 – Saturday mornings)
IPSHA Tennis (Years 3 to 6 – Saturday mornings)
Co-curricular Registration Requests
Registrations for Term 3 Saturday Sports and Term 3/Semester 2 programs are now closed. If you missed the registration period and would like to request registration into a program, please click here to complete our registration request form. A reminder that late registrations are NOT guaranteed. ion team ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Sally Davidson
Head of Co-curricular Administration
From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
Note from the Director of Co-Curricular Performing Arts Mr Kurt Schweinberger
Announcing the 2026 School Musical – Come Join School Choir!
We are thrilled to announce that planning has begun for our 2026 School Musical, a highlight of the College calendar that brings our community together in celebration of the Performing Arts. The selected production will be revealed at the end of Term 3, with auditions commencing in Term 4.
Students who aren’t currently members but are interested in auditioning are strongly encouraged to join the School Choir.
The School Choir offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills as a vocalist, build confidence, and be part of a dynamic and supportive musical community. The ensemble is led by Mrs Karen Bruce, one of Sydney’s leading vocal specialists. Mrs Bruce has taught many students who have gone on to have successful careers on the stage, appearing in numerous musicals and operas.
Stay tuned for the big reveal at the end of Term 3! If you’d like more information about joining the School Choir, please contact Mrs Turner (Head of Co-curricular Music).
Congratulations to Jessamy Facer – Opera Australia’s Carmen!
I’m delighted to congratulate Jessamy Facer (Year 8) on her wonderful performance in Opera Australia’s production of Carmen. Jessamy is part of the children’s chorus in this modern reinterpretation of Bizet’s classic opera.
This marks Jessamy’s second production with Opera Australia, having previously appeared in their 2024 season of Tosca.
Mrs Turner, Ms Zeltzer, and I had the pleasure of attending the performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House. It was incredibly exciting to see Jessamy performing on such a prestigious stage alongside internationally acclaimed opera star Danielle de Niese.
We are all so proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing where her musical journey will take her next!
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Artistic Gymnastics
Welcome to Artistic Gymnastics for Term 3! It’s been a sensational and successful few weeks in the gym; huge achievements with the completion of some of our State Trials, Border Challenge and the Australian Championships, and an all-round great team spirit.
A huge thank you to our Acting Head Coach – Vanessa Clyne who has done a superb job while Alison Gestier has enjoyed quality family time on maternity leave. It’s with great pleasure we welcome back Alison into our Artistic Gymnastic team as Head Coach.
Also, a massive thank you to students, parents, and coaches for supporting our gymnastics programme and making it such a lively part of our school community.
Latest Achievements
Winter Wonderland NL5-7
Our gymnasts have been training hard and had an exciting time showing off their routines and testing their new skills at the 2025 Winter Wonderland NL 5-7 competition. Some of the fabulous results are as follows:
Celine Wang NL5 – 1st Floor and Beam (tied), 3rd Bars, 2nd overall
Scarlett Qui NL5 – 2nd Vault, 4th Overall
Clarice Chung NL5 – 1st Bar, 5th Beam
Moyan Zhang NL5 – 4th Vault (tied)
Bethany Tucker NL5 – 4th Vault (tied)
Elsa Yu NL5 – 3rd Floor (tied)
Sydney Zhou NL7 – 1st Beam, 6th Vault (tied)
Claire Ni NL7 – 3rd Bars (tied)
Holly Graham NL7 – 2nd Vault, 6th Floor
Australian Championships
A huge congratulations to both Ava Wang (Year 7) and Aimee Yap (Year 9) for making the NSW State teams in NL8 and NL9 respectively. A fierce competition between the states with the following results for each gymnast:
Ava Wang (Year 7) NL8 – amazing result bringing home an NSW State team bronze medal.
Aimee Yap (Year 9) NL9 – A strong competition by Aimee with brilliant routines and a fantastic result for her NSW team
Border Challenge
Anna Wang (Year 6) had a fantastic individual and NSW State team result at Border Challenge. Anna finished with a first place on beam and an overall team NSW silver medal in NL8. Great work Anna, all that hard work and dedication has definitely paid off!
NL5-7 NSW State Trial 1
The first of two trial competitions for our Pymble NL5-7 gymnasts to qualify for the NSW State Championships was held at Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre (SGAC) and we had some fabulous results from our gymnasts:
It’s not usual for us to begin with results from alumni and staff, but these performances are simply extraordinary. We’re thrilled to share that Olivia Inkster (2022) and Kristie Edwards (2017) – both current K-6 coaches in our Athletics program – formed half of the Australian 4x100m relay team in the World University Championships final. It was incredibly exciting to witness two former Pymble girls passing the baton to each other on the world stage. In a dramatic photo finish, the Australian team claimed the World title by just 1/100th of a second.
Our very own Athletics Co-ordinator, Miss Dale, also competed at the championships, finishing an impressive seventh in the long jump. We are so proud of these three for their inspiring achievements.
igsa Twilight Competition Series
Friday night marked the beginning of the igsa Twilight competition series. It was fantastic to see so many girls out running, jumping, and throwing. A number of girls recorded personal bests, but it was the Pymble team spirit that truly shone throughout the evening.
We’re already looking forward to our second Twilight meet this coming Friday.
ATHLETICS
Deb Walsham, Head Coach of Athletics
Cross Country
Athletics NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships
During the holidays, six of our girls ventured to Dapto for the Athletics NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships. There were some fantastic performances across the board, with clear highlights being Gemma Dixon (Year 9) racing to bronze in the 14 years and Siena Cassidy (Year 4) claiming her third state medal in the winter season, finishing strongly to also claim bronze in the 10 years. Other strong performances included:
Rachel Schwulst (Year 11) – 17 years – 9th
Grace Beck (Year 11) – 17 years – 11th
Mia Croker (Year 12) – 18 years – 14th
Harriet Murphy (Year 10) – 15 years – 16th
What a way to start Term 3!! – NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships
The NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships were held on day one of Term 3 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC). Five of our Pymble girls took part and delivered some fantastic performances. Congratulations to the following girls:
Anna Smart (Year 7) – 12 years 3km – 15th
Gemma Dixon (Year 9) – 14 years 4km – 11th
Isobel Shorter (Year 10) – 15 years 4km – 46th
Tully Black (Year 12) – 18 years 6km – 7th
Lily Jones (Year 12) – 18 years 6km – 13th
NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships
The following day, the action continued with the NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships, also at SIEC. Siena Cassidy (Year 4) capped off a strong winter season with a brilliant eleventh place finish in the ten years 2km event, also helping the NSWCIS team to claim first place. Well done, Siena.
Deb Walsham, Head Coach of Cross Country
Dance
Miss Laura Fishwick
Dance Co-ordinator (Ballet and Technique and External Streams)
Hansel and Gretel – Ballet Production
Tickets are on sale now for the Pymble Co-curricular Dance RAD Ballet Stream Production of Hansel and Gretel. The show will be held on Saturday 30 August with two show times at 11.00am and 2.00pm. A journey full of surprises, courage and love makes for a truly happily ever after and a heartwarming ballet experience for all ages. Get your tickets now by clicking here!
A full list of rehearsal dates, times and strict costume requirements can be found on the Ballet Website.
Australian Classical Challenge
We are thrilled to celebrate two of our talented ballet students who recently competed in the Australian Classical Challenge in Canberra at the end of June. Both dancers delivered outstanding performances, showcasing their dedication, artistry, and technical skill.
Charlotte King (Year 10) competed in the highly competitive Senior Division (16 years and over), performing beautifully against some of the strongest full-time ballet students in the country—a remarkable achievement that reflects her hard work and passion.
Millie Tian (Year 7) delivered an exceptional performance in the 11 to 12 Years Division, earning a place in the finals—an extraordinary accomplishment in such a prestigious event.
This marks a significant milestone for Pymble, as these were our first-ever ballet solo competition entries. Both dancers represented our school with grace and excellence.
A special thank you goes to Miss Skye, whose expert coaching and unwavering support were instrumental in their success.
Co-curricular Dance
Mr Jackson Reedman, Dance Co-ordinator – Productions and Performances
HSC Dance Showcase
Join us for the 2025 HSC Dance Showcase, a celebration of excellence in dance at Pymble.
Featuring outstanding performances by our talented Year 8, 10, 11 and 12 Elective Dance students, this special evening will present a collection of thought-provoking, creative and captivating works developed as part of their coursework.
This is a highlight of our Dance Calendar – we would love to see you there.
Tickets on sale now.
Excursion to MJ The Musical
On Wednesday 23 July, our dance students and staff had the exciting opportunity to attend MJ The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The production was an extraordinary experience, showcasing outstanding choreography, exceptional vocal performances, and a powerful exploration of Michael Jackson’s music and legacy.
As a special highlight, students and staff were treated to an exclusive backstage tour and had the memorable experience of taking a photo on stage – an inspiring and unforgettable experience for all involved.
Co-curricular Dance
Miss Samantha Hibburt, Deputy Head of Dance
Stepping into the Spotlight: Assistant Dance Teaching Students Create Industry-Ready Portfolios
As part of the “Plan a Career in the Creative Arts Industry” unit for Certificate III in Dance, students recently took part in an exciting and highly professional experience designed to prepare them for future careers in the performing arts.
To meet assessment requirements, students developed a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their skills, including creating a professional showreel, a headshot, and a movement shot. The portfolios the students created throughout the day are essential tools students can use when applying for roles, approaching agents, or exploring further opportunities in the creative arts industry.
Throughout the sessions, students filmed original choreography, improvised movement, and excerpts from past routines, all carefully tailored to reflect their individual style and strengths. They brought in different outfits suited to a range of dance genres and prepared playlists to set the tone for their performances. The focus was on capturing both technical ability and personality which are key components of any successful showreel.
It was a valuable and inspiring experience for everyone involved, giving students a real taste of the professional dance world and a portfolio they can be proud of.
Junior Eisteddfod Lyrical Shines at Ravenswood Dance Showcase
We are delighted to share that the Junior School Eisteddfod Lyrical Group was invited to perform at the Junior Schools Dance Showcase held last Friday at Ravenswood School for Girls. This special event celebrates dance across Independent Schools in a supportive, non-competitive environment, providing an excellent platform for our students to share their passion and talent.
Our lyrical team performed beautifully and demonstrated great school spirit by cheering on all the other participating schools. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were truly inspiring.
We look forward to seeing our talented dancers take on upcoming competitions, where they will no doubt continue to impress with their dedication and skill.
Well done to all involved.
Co-curricular Dance
Ms Keya Pettigrew, Dance Co-ordinator (Performance Stream – Development)
SPACE Eisteddfod
On Friday 27 June, several of Pymble’s Secondary Dance Eisteddfod girls competed at the SPACE Eisteddfod. They performed exceptionally well throughout the day, delivering strong routines across a range of styles that reflected their hard work, commitment and confidence.
Congratulations to Contemporary Scarlet, who achieved first place with their routine You Are Your Own Worst Critic, and to the Hip Hop Crew, who also placed first with Gyal Dem. Contemporary Navy placed second with Rise Again, and Jazz Scarlet was awarded third place for their performance of Apollo and Artemis. Jazz Navy received a Highly Commended for their routine Code Red.
These outstanding results are a testament to the dancers’ growing confidence on stage, their dedication during hours of rehearsal, and their passion for dance. Throughout the day, the Pymble Dance spirit shone brightly, with students cheering each other on, offering support and continuing to strengthen their friendships.
Written by Dance Captains Ruby Scarf (Year 11) and Teagan Ning (Year 11)
Drama
Co-curricular Drama
Drama Term 3 – Week 1 During the holiday break, Drama students from Years 7 to 12 took part in an enriching two-day drama camp, engaging in workshops led by some of the industry’s top professionals and renowned Theatre companies such as Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, ATYP, and Sport for Jove.
Day one kicked off with Danielle Kim from Swoop Physical Theatre, who introduced students to physical theatre techniques, including partner work and basic acrobatics in a circus-inspired workshop. This was followed by a high-energy session with the Australian Theatre for Young People, focusing on voice, movement, and accent work. The day concluded with Patrick Kalvins from Belvoir Theatre Company, who guided students through monologue and script analysis, offering practical tools for text interpretation and performance.
Day two began with Ryan Atkins from Impro Australia, who brought the room to life with improvisation and theatresports activities. Students then worked with Tegan Arazny from the Sydney Theatre Company, exploring devising and playbuilding strategies. The final workshop, led by George Banders and Max Ryan from Sport for Jove, was a rehearsal-style exploration of Shakespearean texts, helping students bring classical language to life on stage with performance opportunities to inspire each other.
The two-day experience was an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their performance skills, connect with professionals, and grow their confidence and creativity beyond the classroom.
Sydney Eisteddfod Success
Over the holidays, Year 8 student Annabelle Stack competed in the Sydney Eisteddfod’s Under 14 Monologue section, performing All The Rage against 18 other entrants. Her powerful and emotionally resonant performance earned her second place, a wonderful achievement!
UPCOMING COMPETITIONS:
Upcoming Competitions
Sydney Eisteddfod Date: Friday 9 August Time: 11.00am to 1.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm Venue: Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Ryde Eisteddfod Date: Friday 30 August Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 2.15pm to 4.15pm Venue: West Ryde Community Hall, 3 to 5 Anthony Road, West Ryde
Language Arts
Welcome back to Term 3
We hope you had a happy and relaxing holiday and are looking forward to many more Language Arts activities in the new term and semester.
Language Arts Dinner
Term 2 ended with a wonderful celebration of Language Arts at our Farewell to Year 12 Dinner. This was a variation from our usual tradition of a Farewell High Tea. Thank you to Catherine Shi (Year 12), our Language Arts Prefect for your vision and planning. Thank you to Co-curricular Administration and to the captains for all their behind-the-scenes work. Thanks also to Amy Hoang, leader of our parent support group and lastly, thank you to our Year 12 stalwarts for all their contributions to Language Arts over many years. We will miss you. You are talented, you have been dedicated, and you have proved excellent mentors and role models. Thank you for your passion for Language Arts. You are leaving it better and stronger.
DEBATING
Archdale – Shield and Invitational
Round 7 Shield and Invitational Archdale Debating was held on Tuesday 29 July. Shield debaters travelled to St Catherine’s Waverley. Students need to be collected following debates and girls are not allowed to travel home on public transport unless an adult accompanies them. Invitational debates were held in IH rooms at Pymble. Round 7 marks the conclusion of the preliminary rounds.
Make ups for both Shield and Invitational competitions will be held on Tuesday 5 August. Year 10 Shield debaters will be required for two debates on this date. Further details regarding Round 7 and make ups will be sent via Co-curricular Administration. Following the conclusion of all debates, teams proceeding to the final rounds will be announced.
More Debating Activities and Opportunities
PLEASE NOTE – This Friday (tomorrow) there will be no Bootcamp or Social Debating.
Social Debating Student coaches – Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist uni coaches with Social Debating coaching and adjudicating. This competition continues this term and the first debates were held on Friday last week in KM. Please contact Mrs Hubbard if you would like to assist.
Friday Social Debaters – We look forward to seeing you after school the Jobson Lecture Theatre, KM building, next Friday 8 August.
High Level Debating Bootcamp – Bootcamp commenced lastFriday afternoon in KM10. Thank you to Kitty He (Year 11) and Imogen Kee (Year 10), our Debating Captains, for running this training program and mentoring our keen, younger debaters. Kitty was part of the winning NSW Debating team last term and a grand final winning ISDA team last year. We are thankful that she is making time and is keen to pass on skills acquired at training so we can continue to build a culture of Debating excellence at Pymble.
Social Debating Classes/Dukes opportunity – Classes commenced last Wednesday 23 July. Thank you to the Duke of Edinburgh helpers who will assist coaches. Classes will be held in DK9, DK10 and RV09. If you are a Duke of Edinburgh candidate and have done some Debating, we would love you to assist with Social Debating classes for Years 5 to 10 after school. Please email your availability to Mrs Hubbard ASAP. Thank you to those girls who have already volunteered.
International Debating Championships (IDC)
Thank you to the girls who have registered teams internally for IDC. It is not too late. Girls who registered as individuals, thank you for your patience as we finalise teams for this Term 4, online competition. We will try to accommodate you. We currently have nine teams registered.
Holiday opportunities – Debating Competitions
Our thoughts have been with Maya Garg (Year 12) as she travelled in Mexico and debated in Worlds Debating in Panama in recent weeks. To others who were debating online or overseas through the break, please keep us informed of your events and results. We love to hear about your out of school Language Arts adventure.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Public Speaking Classes and TEDx
A special shout out to all who attended Wednesday or Thursday classes last term. It was encouraging to watch students gain confidence and present some great speeches.
TEDx
Semester 2 classes commenced last Saturday and will be held at 10.30am to 12.30pm, 1.00pm to 3.00pm, or 3.15pm to 5.15 in DK10 and the atrium area of the KM building.
Thank you to all the girls who participated in the Semester 1 Saturday classes and in the end of semester showcase. The standard was high, and it was wonderful to see your well delivered speeches that had been carefully considered, thoughtfully crafted and edited with care. Your research skills were also evident in the detailed content. Thank you to coach Swetha whose comments revealed knowledge of each girl’s strengths and weaknesses. TEDx classes are her passion project! Well done all. Semester 2 classes will repeat the Semester 1 program. Any who missed presenting at the end of last term, please contact Mrs Hubbard.
JSSA
Congratulations to Leahara Wijesuriya (Year 9) and Estelle Lee (Year 9) who competed in a Junior Secondary Speaking Award heat at Barker last week. Congratulations to Estelle who has progressed to regionals.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)
Pymble Model UN Club (PMUN)
PMUN runs each Monday lunch in DK06. Come along and join us this term. Everyone is welcome. Learn how to prepare for a MUN conference. We have also received invitations to MUN conferences to be held at various high schools including Trinity and Knox. Please see our MUN captain, Kiki Chen (Year 11), if interested and email your interest to Mrs Hubbard.
PMUN Winter Conference – Wow!
PMUN Winter Conference was held last Saturday. What a terrific event with close to 30 schools represented.
Kiki Chen (Year 11), our MUN Captain, and her team worked hard to ensure a fun and challenging day. Thank you to Kitty, her organising committee and our Language Arts mothers who assisted for part of the day.
Other MUN Conferences
Trinity and the combined Barker/Knox MUNS are next on the calendar. Please contact Mrs Hubbard if interested. Trinity is also looking for students who can help on the organising committees.
THIMUN 2026 Tour
All who have expressed interest in the THIMUN tour have been contacted by Travel at Pymble. Details will follow shortly.
Best Wishes Imogen – UN Youth National Conference
Imogen Kee (Year 10) has been selected to attend the UN Youth Australian and New Zealand National Model United Nations Conference in Adelaide next week. While this is not a school activity, state and national conferences are promoted and seen as a great opportunity to make like-minded friends and to learn more about speaking, diplomacy and global issues. Congratulations on your selection Imogen.
UN Negotiations
Have you registered for UN Negotiations? Would you like training? Please contact Mrs Hubbard.
MOCK LAW
Visit and Activities
We were fortunate to have Linden Barnes, a Senior Ethics Solicitor and Advisor at The Law Society visit us at the end of Term 2 to introduce aspects of Law and Ethics. We are looking forward to her assistance as we prepare for Antigone on Trial, a Moot involving Mock Law girls, the Classics department and the Centre of Excellence. The trial will be held at lunch on Friday 8 August. Please come and watch in the SLT/Drama theatre.
Hockey
igsa Hockey
The igsa Hockey season commenced with great anticipation on Saturday 26 July, and not even the morning rain could dampen the enthusiasm or halt the much-awaited matches. As the skies cleared, our teams took their positions, ready to embrace the season ahead with energy and pride.
Despite the damp start, the opening round quickly transformed into a showcase of skill, dedication, and sheer determination. It was truly inspiring to witness such dominant performances from all teams on the field. Players displayed outstanding teamwork, sharp tactics, and an impressive competitive spirit that captivated spectators and set a high standard for the season to come.
From the very first whistle, the pace was fast and the action relentless, with every team putting forth their best effort. Goals were celebrated, defensive plays were applauded, and the sportsmanship on display was a credit to our schools and the igsa community.
With the season now underway, there is much to look forward to. If the first round is any indication, this promises to be an exceptional season for igsa Hockey.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the players, coaches, families, and supporters who braved the rain and contributed to a memorable opening day. We eagerly await the coming rounds and cannot wait to see how our teams continue to grow and excel.
Wishing all players and teams the best for an outstanding igsa Hockey season!
Results
Division
Team A
Team B
Result
S01
Pymble 1
SCEGGS 01
7 to 0 Win
S04
Pymble 2
Santa Sabina 01
3 to 1 Win
J01
Pymble 3
Loreto Kirribilli 06
7 to 0 Win
J03
Pymble 4
Wenona 04
2 to 1 Win
J05
Pymble 5
Ascham 08
2 to 2 Draw
J06
Pymble 6
Bye
Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest for Round 1:
Pymble 1: Bella Croker (Year 12)
Pymble 2: Mary Cottrell (Year 12)
Pymble 3: Lucy Chapman (Year 9)
Pymble 4: Mia Lam (Year 8)
Pymble 5: Orla Cottrell (Year 8)
Pymble 6: Bye
Representative Hockey
We are delighted to share some truly fantastic news that our very own Bella Croker (Year 12) has been selected for the prestigious U18s National Futures Squad, following her outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships in Perth!
This remarkable squad showcases an elite group of athletes likely to be at their best at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Bella’s selection is a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work both on and off the field.
To be recognised among the country’s best young athletes is an extraordinary honour, and no one deserves it more than Bella!
Everyone at Pymble is brimming with pride for you. We can’t wait to cheer you on as you continue your journey. The future is incredibly bright!
Congratulations, Bella!
Music
Welcome back to Term 3
I hope you all had a wonderful rest during the break and soaked up lots of Vitamin D. We were so lucky to have great weather, and I hope those who travelled, also had their share of sun.
During the break, I reminded all students taking private music lessons at the College that participation in one of our many ensembles is essential to their music education.
Pianists (who do not study another instrument) are especially encouraged to join the College Choir, which rehearses Wednesday mornings at 7.20am in the Chapel. Junior School Choir is on Tuesday mornings. With the School Musical scheduled for 2026, now is the perfect time to develop your singing skills and become involved in an exciting upcoming production.
There is also the Music Tour happening at the end of 2027, where we tour Italy, Croatia and Slovenia for two weeks. Being part of the Music Tour in 2024 was a highlight for our recent Year 12 leavers, and I know many of the younger girls who went also found it to be a brilliant experience.
Take this opportunity to connect, grow and make music together. We will be providing more details of this tour towards the end of Term 3 and early in Term 4. It is a long way away, but we want to ensure all musicians are given the opportunity to perform on the world stage and preparation is key.
Dates for your Diaries
Thursday 14August 4.40pm to 5.00pm – Open Evening in the KM building. Clarinet ensemble to perform
Tuesday 19 August 8.55am and then 10.15am – Junior School Open Morning in Sunshine Square. Junior Choir to perform at 8.55am and Stanhope Band to perform at 10.15am
Tuesday 19 August 4.30pm – Emily Palethorpe’s Cello Studio Concert in the Music Gallery
Wednesday 20 August 6.30pm to 7.00pm – Think Pymble event in the KM building: Year 7 string quartet to perform
Thursday 21 August 6.00pm – Music Scholar’s Concert in the Music Gallery – please see poster. This is a free event, but we would like tickets to be reserved. Allie Osborne from Sydney Symphony Orchestra will perform and provide a discussion for students interested in pursuing a career in Music.
Friday 22 August 6.00pm – Tanith Bryce’s Vocal Studio Concert at Roden Cutler House in Gordon. Permission notes sent and must be returned please.
Friday 5 September 5.00pm – HSC Music Recital evening. Please come along and watch our HSC musicians perform their repertoire in preparation for their final exams.
Saturday 13 September from 1.00pm – Battle of the Bands – Barker College. This event is for the girls in the Rock Bands and part of the Barker Spring Fair.
Saturday 20 September all day – Garden Party – Clarinet, flute and brass ensembles, Pizzicato strings, Piccoline choir, Junior Jazz, Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band, Year 4 Training band, Rock Bands, Grainger Band and Stanhope Band will perform at this event and permission will be sent out shortly.
Tuesday 23 September 5.00pm – Music Elective Night in the Music Gallery – all girls from Years 8 to 11 who study Music will perform an item for family and friends.
Friday 26 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Randwick Racecourse. College Quartet to perform.
Congratulations
Competitions
Audrey Quan (Year 7) won the Under 15 Baritone and Euphonium section on Sunday June 29 at Barker College and also played in the Champion of Championship event afterwards.
Constance Chow (Year 9) placed first in the City of Ryde Eisteddfod group Junior Vocal 14 and Under.
Joy Yin (Year 10) won first prize in the Sydney Eisteddfod for 18th century Piano (15 and 16 Years)
Scarlett Qui (Year 6) won first prize in the Sydney Eisteddfod piano solo for the 19th Century (11 years) section and Highly Commended in the 18th Century (11 to 12 years) section.
Isabel Fan (Year 8) won first prize in the Sydney Eisteddfod for the 20th and 21st Century Piano section (13 to 14 years)
Professional Performances
Jessamy Facer (Year 8) recently opened in Opera Australia’s production of Carmen. Mr Schweinberger, Ms Zeltzer and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, but it was made all the more exciting by knowing someone on the stage. We all had the pleasure of meeting leading lady, Danielle de Niese, who is delightful and so full of praise for Jessamy and her dedication from such a young age.
String Quartet
One of the College String Quartets performed for the Avondale Golf Club’s Ladies’ evening on Wednesday 23 July. Thank you to Mrs Colbey and Ms Bain for preparing the girls: Sophie Guo (Year 10), Charli Conn (Year 9), Camellia Zhou (Year 10) and Jenny He (Year 10). The Events and Marketing Manager wrote to me with the following accolade:
On behalf of the Women’s Committee and all of our attendees last night, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the brilliant students who performed.
They are incredibly talented, and our Members thoroughly enjoyed being welcomed to the event with the beautiful sounds of the string quartet. It truly set the tone for a special evening and was greatly appreciated by all.
AMEB results
Some AMEB results came through late last term, and I would like to congratulate the following girls on their violin results
Michelle Shi (Year 8) – A Honours Grade 7 Comprehensive
Mikayla Sun (Year 8) – A Honours Grade 7 Comprehensive
Sooin Lee (Year 6) – A Honours Grade 7 Comprehensive
Charli Conn (Year 9) – A+ High Distinction Certificate of Performance
Absences for Ensembles
Parents must go through MyPymble and indicate if their daughter is going to be absent for a rehearsal. Students are encouraged to email their conductor, with a parent copied in, to explain their absence. Unexplained absences will be noted along with tardiness. Members of the auditioned ensembles will be contacted if they have two unexplained absences, putting their position in jeopardy. Please help the Music department by completing the absence notification on MyPymble.
Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) Auditions
We have had students play with the AYO in the past and this is a wonderful pathway for young people wishing to pursue a career in Music. If you are interested, please contact Mrs Turner at sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au so I can share further details.
Applications are now open for the Australian Youth Orchestra’s 2026 programs, offering life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 12 to 30. From school-aged musicians to emerging professionals, AYO provides world-class training in orchestral performance, composition, sound production, arts administration, and music journalism.
Strings applications close on Monday 25 August 2025, and all other instrument applications close on Wednesday 27 August 2025. Apply online by clicking here.
Netball
Week 1 Netball – Saturday 26 July
The first round of igsa Netball and Net Set Go for Term 3 began with great excitement as students returned to the courts ready to play. Although wet weather led to the cancellation of many games, those that were able to take the court did so with enthusiasm and determination and ready for a big term ahead of netball.
Well done to all Pymble netball teams Kindergarten to Year 12 for a great weekend of netball, we look forward to a great term ahead!
igsa Netball – Coaches Reports
Pymble 3 – Pymble 3 came out hot in the first quarter. Despite never having played together, Pymble 3 worked incredibly as a team. They put on a strong and contested fight against PLC Sydney, although they lost 21 to 25 in the end.
Pymble 19 – Pymble 19 had a tense game with tight scoring match all the way up until the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, St Vincents pulled though with a final score of 6 to 10. The girls played with passion and determination.
Pymble 31 – Pymble 31 arrived with fire in their bellies and a good attitude despite having many players who had never played before! Pymble 31 led the for most of the game, the girls strong shoulder passes and offense were key in this. Towards the end of the match the scores evened out, however Pymble 31 took the win in the last 30 seconds of the match, finishing with a 13 to 12 final score.
Net Set Go
The second term of Net Set Go was underway on Saturday at the Loftberg courts. The girls were full of enthusiasm and excitement, ready to continue their netball season.
Results – igsa
Division
Team A
Team B
Result
S01
Pymble 1
Roseville 1
32 to 14
S02
Pymble 2
St Vincent’s 1
16 to 30
S05
Pymble 3
PLC Sydney 2
21 to 25
S07
Pymble 4
Queenwood 3
23 to 17
S10
Pymble 5
Loreto Normanhurst 7
29 to 7
S11
Pymble 6
Meriden 4
28 to 3
S12
Pymble 7
Loreto Normanhurst 9
30 to 10
S13
Pymble 8
Wenona 8
Wet Weather Cancellation
S14
Pymble 9
Meriden 5
Wet Weather Cancellation
S16
Pymble 10
Abbotsleigh 12
7 to 10
S17
Pymble 11
Abbotsleigh 13
29 to 4
S19
Pymble 12
Wenona 12
Wet Weather Cancellation
S19
Pymble 13
Tara 4
35 to 10
J01
Pymble 14
Roseville 11
30 to 20
J03
Pymble 15
Loreto Normanhurst 15
33 to 8
J04
Pymble 16
Meriden 9
30 to 24
J07
Pymble 17
Meriden 10
31 to 11
J09
Pymble 18
Ascham 10
8 to 23
J11
Pymble 19
St Vincent’s 15
6 to 10
J12
Pymble 20
Tara 7
16 to 15
J13
Pymble 21
Loreto Normanhurst 21
Wet Weather Cancellation
J13
Pymble 22
Brigidine 20
Wet Weather Cancellation
J15
Pymble 23
Brigidine 21
6 to 6
Y701
Pymble 24
Loreto Normanhurst 22
51 to 4
Y702
Pymble 25
Brigidine 23
6 to 21
Y704
Pymble 26
St Vincent’s 19
Wet Weather Cancellation
Y706
Pymble 27
PLC Sydney 25
Wet Weather Cancellation
Y707
Pymble 28
Abbotsleigh 34
19 to 6
Y707
Pymble 29
Abbotsleigh 33
Wet Weather Cancellation
Y709
Pymble 30
Brigidine 26
Wet Weather Cancellation
Y709
Pymble 31
Abbotsleigh 36
13 to 12
Net Set Go
A special shout out to the following students who showed true Pymble Pride on the court and have been named Most Valuable Player (MVP) from the weekend
Grade
Team A
Team B
MVP
Yellow 6/7 Years
Pymble 1 Scarlet
Hornsby Heights 17
Olive Dickinson (Year 2)
Red 7/8 Years
Pymble 2 Navy
Wahroonga 18
Elizabeth Chen (Year 1)
Green 7/8 Years
Pymble 3 White
St Ives 37
Kimberly Zhang (Kindergarten)
Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program (PESP)
Why is Load Management so Important?
Girls are still developing bone strength, muscle coordination, and hormonal balance. If training loads are too high, increase too quickly, or are not balanced with adequate rest, there is a significantly higher risk of:
Injury, both sudden (acute) and slow building (overuse), including
Stress fractures from repetitive impact without enough rest1,3
Tendonitis and tendon pain, especially in the knees and ankles
Growth plate injuries, which can affect long-term development
Muscle strains and ligament sprains
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), a condition where the body does not get enough energy from food to support growth, development, and training, leading to:
Irregular or absent periods
Poor bone health and increased risk of fractures
Declining performance, mood changes, and tiredness3
Frequent illness due to a weakened immune system1
Burnout or drop out from sport, with loss of enjoyment, motivation, or confidence2
Common Injuries from Poor Load Management
Stress fractures in the shins, feet, back or pelvis
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, resulting in knee pain from repetitive running, jumping, or landing
Sever’s disease or Osgood-Schlatter disease, causing heel or knee pain unique to growing athletes
Tendinitis, especially at the Achilles or patellar tendon
Muscle strains and ligament sprains, often due to fatigue, lack of rest, or sudden increases in load
Growth plate injuries, unique to adolescents, which can cause long term problems if not addressed1,2
Maturation and Individual Differences
It is important to recognise that girls mature at different rates during adolescence, both physically and hormonally. Signs of maturation include growth spurts, breast development, and the onset of menstruation. During periods of rapid growth, girls can be more vulnerable to injuries such as growth plate injuries, joint pain, and muscle imbalances. Girls who are late to mature compared to their peers may also require individualised load management, as their bones and joints are more susceptible to stress.
Guidelines post-maturation: Once a student has reached full maturation (growth has slowed, physical development and regular menstrual cycles are established), gradual increases in training can be considered, with closer alignment to adult athlete guidelines. However, progression should always be individual and account for the athlete’s injury history, overall readiness, and wellbeing.
Guidelines for late-maturing athletes: For girls who experience delayed maturation, it is important to be extra careful with training loads. Limiting repetitive impact and high training volumes, ensuring at least two full rest days a week, and regular check-ins with coaching and medical staff are advised. These girls benefit from flexible scheduling, targeted strength and conditioning, and continued focus on skill development across a variety of activities.
Menstruation as a sign: The onset of periods is a key indicator of healthy maturation but irregular, absent, or suddenly stopped periods can be a sign that training load or nutrition is not appropriate. If your daughter has not started menstruating by age 15, develops irregular cycles after periods have started, or experiences a sudden change in her menstrual pattern, please consult your GP or a sports physician for assessment and support.
Best Practice Load Management Recommendations
All the following recommendations are supported by scientific evidence and expert consensus:
Rest Days
Ensure at least one to two complete rest days per week. Rest means no organised sport, strenuous activity, or competition so the body can recover and adapt1,2
Total Weekly Load
A maximum of 16 to 18 hours per week of structured training and competition for most adolescent girls is recommended. Girls who are newer to sport or do high-impact activities may need significantly less, 8 to 12 hours per week2
Annual Breaks
Pre puberty girls should have two to three months away from their main sport each year, which can be spread across the year. This downtime is crucial for mental and physical recovery and early prevention of overuse injuries2
Gradual Progression
Sudden progressions or spikes in training are linked to increased injuries. The safest progression is no more than a 10 percent increase in duration, frequency, or intensity per week1
Specialisation
Multi-sport participation is encouraged up to at least age 12 to 14 to reduce repetitive strain and promote wellbeing. Early specialisation is linked to a higher risk of injury and burnout2
Recovery, Nutrition, and Sleep
At least eight to ten hours of sleep per night is vital. A diet sufficient in energy and nutrients supports development and recovery. Lack of adequate nutrition is a major factor in injuries, slow recovery, and REDs. Please consult a sports dietitian for guidance as needed. Encourage your daughter to speak up about soreness, fatigue, or pain. These are important warning signals and should never be ignored1,3
Other Important Considerations
Be cautious if your daughter is playing or training with multiple age groups at club level. While extra opportunities can be exciting, overlapping training and matches can easily lead to excessive total physical load and a higher risk of both injuries and burnout. Always include all sporting commitments in your daughter’s total load and count her weekly hours and matches accurately.
Parental Involvement – Your Support is Vital
We encourage all parents to sit down with their daughter and actively review her training and competition load regularly. Use the above guidelines to ensure there are clearly scheduled rest days and her full sporting commitments (both within and outside Pymble) are included. Supporting your daughter to accurately monitor and manage her load is one of the most effective ways you can help keep her healthy and enjoying her sport for the long term.
Communication is Key
Many Pymble athletes train with both internal and external coaches. Please ensure you regularly liaise with all coaches, sharing your daughter’s total training and competition schedule. Consistent communication allows every coach, both within Pymble and externally, to monitor, adjust, and support your daughter’s progress while prioritising her health.1
Signs That Load May Be Too High
Please look out for the following:
Ongoing tiredness, low motivation, or decline in school or sport performance
Chronic soreness or recurring injuries
Missed or irregular periods
Changes in eating habits or mood
Loss of enjoyment in sport
If in doubt, reach out to the Sports Department, your daughter’s coaches, or book an appointment with Dr Sly for advice and support.
Click here for a printable version of this information.
Skye Halliday, Head of PESP
Rugby Sevens
NSW All Schools Rugby Sevens Championships
Last term, the below girls represented CIS at the NSW All Schools Rugby Sevens Championships are Forshaw Park in Sylvania:
Maya Atkinson (Year 12) – U18s
Evie Farr (Year 10) – U16s
Lucy McLean (Year 10) – U16s
Scarlett Mitchell (Year 10) – U16s
Mie Naito (Year 10) – U16s
The girls performed exceptionally over the two days and took the field against some of the best schoolgirl rugby players in the state. Both CIS U18s and U16s teams made it to their grand final against Combined High Schools teams (CHS), unfortunately going down in the final seconds in each match.
Congratulations to Maya Atkinson (Year 12) and Evie Farr (Year 10) who made the NSW Seconds teams in their respective age groups. These girls competed in the holidays at the Australian Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast. Well done girls!
Jack Garrad, Co-ordinator of Rugby Sevens
Jack Garrad, Co-ordinator of Rugby Sevens
Snowsports
Northern NSW and QLD Interschools Snowsport Championships
During the second week of the school holidays, the Pymble Snowsports team travelled to Perisher to compete in the highly anticipated Northern NSW and QLD Interschools Snowsport Championships. The event brought together talented athletes from across NSW and Queensland, all eager to showcase their skills on the snow.
In preparation for the championships, some students participated in the Pymble Snowsports camp, where they undertook training prior to the championships. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, our students developed their technique, built team spirit, and learned valuable strategies that would serve them well in competition. From navigating challenging weather conditions to practicing their starts and finishes, the camp provided the perfect opportunity for all athletes to prepare for the upcoming competition.
The championship itself was a wonderful display of sportsmanship, resilience, and determination. Our Pymble skiers and snowboarders competed across a range of disciplines, including alpine, ski cross and snowboard GS and Cross and moguls, achieving several personal best times and podium finishes. The camaraderie amongst the team was evident, with students supporting one another and sharing in both the triumphs and challenges of race day.
Team and Individual Results
1st – Ski Cross Division 1
Arabella Wheatly (Year 11) 2nd
Zara Tang (Year 11) 4th
Grace Yoon (Year 11) 15th
Evelyn Zhu (Year 11) 14th
2nd – Ski Cross Division 2
Allegra Taubenschlag (Year 10) 12th
Aurora Zhang (Year 9) 4th
Siri Taubenshlag (Year 9) 8th
9th – Ski Cross Division 2
Elizabeth Lien (Year 10) 20th
Madeline Kirish (Year 10) 26th
Bella Legge-Hughes (Year 9) 32nd
12th – Ski Cross Division 2
Rebecca Mak (Year 9) 28th
Caitlyn Carno (Year 9) 34th
1st – Ski Cross Division 3
Hilary Eyers (Year 8) 1st
Eloise Gavagna (Year 8) 2nd
Bella Xu (Year 8) 21st
10th – Ski Cross Division 3
Zoe Liang (Year 7) 18th
Sarah Kranes (Year 5) 30th
Lydia Chen (Year 7) 23rd
14th – Ski Cross Division 3
Cienna Heald (Year 8) 29th
Anna Smart (Year 7) 36th
Lily Salek (Year 7) 62nd
16th – Ski Cross Division 3
Chloe Zhang (Year 7) 49th
Bronte Cardno (Year 8) 42nd
Macy Feng (Year 7) 35th
5th – Ski Cross Division 4
Christina Yang (Year 6) 9th
Kimberly Zhao (Year 5) 17th
9th – Ski Cross Division 4
Ellie He (Year 6) 37th
Tina Wang (Year 5) 6th
Jasmine Smith (Year 5) 39th
12th – Ski Cross Division 4
Emily Walker (Year 6) 27th
Catherine Wang (Year 5) 31st
1st – Ski Cross Division 6
Anne Yian Li (Year 2) 9th
Dorothy Zhao (Year 2) 7th
Amelia Hao (Year 2) 21st
6th – Ski Cross Division 6
Ellie Zhang (Year 1) 13th
Katy Feng (Kindergarten) 34th
Audrey Wang (Kindergarten) 38th
6th – Snowboard GS Division 1
Esther Essey (Year 12) 12th
Tina Zhao (Year 11) 15th
2nd – Snowboard GS Division 2
Rebecca Mak (Year 9) 2nd
Elisa Cui (Year 10) 6th
Elizbeth Lien (Year 10) 8th
Erika Zhao (Year 9) 13th
Snowboard GS Division 3
Isabel Parker (Year 8) 6th
1st – Snowboard GS Division 4
Christina Yang (Year 6) 11th
Bella Geng-Yang (Year 6) 6th
Ellie He (Year 6) 5th
1st – Snowboard GS Division 5
Michelle Zhang (Year 3) 1st
Makayla Cui (Year 3) 3rd
Yunuo Lin (Year 3)
2nd – Snowboard GS Division 5
Alyssa Wang (Year 4) 9th
Reena Geng-Yang (Year 2) 11th
1st – Snowboard Cross Division 4
Chrstina Yang (Year 6) 8th
Bella Gang-Yang (Year 6) 7th
Ellie He (Year 6) 6th
1st – Snowboard Cross Division 5
Michelle Zhang (Year 3) 1st
Makayla Cui (Year 3) 2nd
Eno Lin (Year 3) 4th
1st – Alpine Division 1
Arabella Wheatley (Year 11) 2nd
Zara Tang (Year 11) 7th
Grace Yoon (Year 11) 4th
Evelyn Zhu (Year 11) 16th
3rd – Alpine Division 2
Allegra Taubenschlag (Year 10)
Aurora Zhang (Year 9) 2nd
Siri Taubenschlag (Year 9) 15th
Elizabeth Lien (Year 10) 19th
6th – Alpine Division 2
Madeline Kirsh (Year 10) 27th
Bella Legge-Hughes (Year 9) 26th
Rebecca Mak (Year 9) 20th
Caitlyn Cardno (Year 9) 46th
1st – Alpine Division 3
Hilary Eyers (Year 8) 1st
Eloise Gavagna (Year 8) 10th
Bella Xu (Year 8) 16th
Zoe Liang (Year 7) 12th
7th – Alpine Division 3
Cienna Heald (Year 8) 29th
Lydia Chen (Year 7) 22nd
Sarah Kranes (Year 8) 24th
Anna Smart (Year 7) 44th
11th – Alpine Division 3
Miranda Qin (Year 7) 50th
Amber Chen (Year 8) 67th
Bronte Cardno (Year 8) 31st
Rachel Zhang (Year 7) 56th
12th – Alpine Division 3
Ashleigh Du (Year 8) 52nd
Ellie Cao (Year 8) 58th
Lily Salek (Year 7)
Chloe Zhang (Year 7) 35th
Macy Feng (Year 7) 46th
2nd – Alpine Division 4
Christina Yang (Year 6) 7th
Kimberly Zhao (Year 5) DSQ
Ellie He (Year 6) 31st
Tina Wang (Year 5) 2nd
Alpine Division 4
Emily Walker (Year 6) 24th
Catherine Wang (Year 5) 19th
Jasmine Smith (Year 5) 36th
2nd – Alpine Division 5
Evelyn Zhu (Year 4) 2nd
Michelle Wang (Year 3) 7th
Yunuo Lin (Year 3) 6th
Makayla Cui (Year 3) 13th
5th – Alpine Division 5
Clover Gong (Year 3) 15th
Evelyn Sang (Year 3) 26th
Chloe Zhang (Year 3) 39th
2nd – Alpine Division 6
Anne Li (Year 2) 4th
Dorothy Zhao (Year 2) 5th
Amelia Hao (Year 2) 26th
Ellie Zhang (Year 1) 19th
5th – Alpine Division 6
Hana Qu (Kindergarten) 45th
Katy Feng (Kindergarten) 23rd
Audrey Wang (Kindergarten) 39th
Hannah Xiao (Year 2) 44th
Moguls Division 3
Eloise Gavanga (Year 8) 1st
Bella Xu (Year 8) 4th
Sarah Kanes (Year 8) 10th
Moguls Division 4
Catherine Wang (Year 5) 5th
Jasmine Smith (Year 5) 12th
Moguls Division 5
Michelle Zhang (Year 3) 3rd
A big thank you goes to the coaches, staff and parent volunteers who made the competition such a success. Congratulations to all our athletes for representing Pymble with pride, enthusiasm, and true sporting spirit.
We look forward to following the Pymble Snowsports team as they progress to the State Snowsports Championship in August.
Swimming
NSW Short Course Metropolitan Championships
Over the weekend of Friday 18 to Sunday 21 July, 23 of our Pymble swimmers took part in the NSW Short Course Metropolitan Championships, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
This event is one of the most competitive club meets for our swimmers and attracts some of the fastest junior and senior athletes from across the Sydney region. The weekend was filled with outstanding performances, personal bests, and invaluable learning, especially for our junior swimmers, who had the chance to observe and be inspired by more experienced competitors.
Pymble swimmers finished the meet with an incredible 46 Top ten finishes, including 24 individual medals, proudly contributing to the success of Knox Pymble Swim Club (KPSC), which finished first overall in the total point score.
Pymble Medals:
Amélie Berg (Year 6): Bronze – 50m Breaststroke
Megan Chia (Year 9): Gold – 100m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle; Silver – 100m Freestyle; Bronze – 50m Butterfly
Isabella Wang (Year 6): Silver – 100m Individual Medley
Additional point scorers included:
Piper Gregory-Reid (Year 12) and Keira Smith (Year 12)
Congratulations to all the Pymble swimmers who competed and achieved some personal best times: Amélie Berg (Year 6), Megan Chia (Year 9), Annalise Chow (Year 11), Emma Deere (Year 6), Georgia Friedel (Year 8), Alyssa Gillespie (Year 11), Alicia Gong (Year 4), Piper Gregory-Reid (Year 12) , Penelope Hargraves (Year 8), Leah Ji (Year 3), Caitlyn Keating (Year 10), Sophia Li (Year 8), Anne Liu (Year 9), Yuxi Lun (Year 5), Jade Mao (Year 8), Priscilla Miller (Year 7), Gwen Pickthall (Year 9), Keira Smith (Year 12), Indianna Vale (Year 10), Isabella Wang (Year 6), Genevieve Wong (Year 6), Olivia Yu (Year 5), and Chloe Zhang (Year 7).
A huge thank you to our Pymble coaches Rafael, Leanne, Rohan and Sara for their guidance and support throughout the weekend, and to our dedicated parents for their ongoing encouragement and commitment.
Tennis
Recent Results
A huge congratulations to our Pymble Tennis Academy students that achieved some fantastic results recently. These students have all trained hard throughout the year and were well prepared for the competitions held during the school holidays.
Winner – U14/16 Girls Singles – J250 South Coast Open
Emily Basak (Year 9)
Winner – U14 Girls Singles – JDS Wollongong
Abigail Martin (Year 9)
Winner – U16 Girls Doubles – J125 Blacktown
Ayeesha Dowerah (Year 10)
Winner – Girls Doubles – ITF J30 Noumea
Jufri Foss, Co-ordinator of Tennis
Touch Football
IPSHA Touch Football
Saturday 26 July marked a delightful start to the IPSHA Touch Football season, even as the day began beneath a curtain of morning rain. True to the hearty spirit of our students and community, the inclement weather did nothing to hinder proceedings. Instead, the fields soon bustled with games, energy, and enormous enthusiasm.
We are thrilled to see the competition grow, with an increase of three Pymble teams this year, making that nine teams within our Pymble Touch Football program. The energy and camaraderie present, both on and off the field, reaffirmed why this event is so cherished by students, staff, and supporters alike.
Over the coming weeks, we look forward to witnessing every team develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and create memorable sporting moments. If the opening round is anything to go by, we are set for an exciting season ahead!
A warm thank you to all players, coaches, families who made the first day such a success. We anticipate a fabulous season of touch football and can’t wait to see what the next round will bring.
Wishing all our teams the very best for a fantastic season!
Results
Grade
Team A
Team B
Result
Year 6A
Pymble 1
Loreto Normanhurst 1
1 to 7 Loss
Year 6B
Pymble 2
Roseville 2
2 to 7 Loss
Year 5A
Pymble 3
Loreto Normanhurst 3
3 to 3 Draw
Year 5B
Pymble 4
Queenwood 5
1 to 2 Loss
Year 5C
Pymble 5
Queenwood 6
2 to 3 Loss
Year 4A/B
Pymble 6
Ascham 9
5 to 2 Win
Year 3A
Pymble 7
Tara 4
2 to 4 Loss
Year 3B
Pymble 8
Barker 15
5 to 2 Win
Year 3B
Pymble 9
Meriden 10
8 to 6 Win
Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest for Round 1:
Pymble 1 – Samantha Robson (Year 6)
Pymble 2 – Claire Shuai (Year 6)
Pymble 3 – Isabelle Lawry (Year 5)
Pymble 4 – Ellie Rose Ruiz del Portal Greene (Year 5)
Pymble 5 – Queenie Sun (Year 5)
Pymble 6 – Emma Chung (Year 4)
Pymble 7 – Isla Coupland (Year 3)
Pymble 8 – Georgina Harris (Year 3)
Pymble 9 – Neve Sadananda (Year 3)
Have a Go @ Saturday Sport
The weekend also marked the beginning of our Kindergarten to Year 2 Touch Football “Have a Go” program and what an exciting launch it was! The morning was filled with energy and anticipation, as both newcomers to the sport and returning athletes took to the field, ready to embrace the challenge and delight of Touch Football.
For many of our youngest sportspeople, it was their very first taste of the game. Armed with enthusiasm and curiosity, these budding touch footballers showed tremendous spirit as they learned the basics. Our returning players set a wonderful example, displaying both confidence and support as they welcomed their new teammates.
The focus of our opening session was firmly on developing fundamental touch football skills – passing, catching, and running. Coaches guided the children through a series of fun and engaging activities designed to build not only their abilities but also their enjoyment of the game. The field was alive with laughter and encouragement as each child gave their best effort and celebrated their progress.
The “Have a Go” atmosphere ensures that every child is supported in their learning journey, and the morning was a testament to the positive environment we cherish in our community.
We sincerely thank our coaches, families, and players for making the first session such a memorable and successful occasion. As the season unfolds, we look forward to watching each participant continue to grow in skill, confidence, and love for touch football.
Here’s to a wonderful season ahead of teamwork, learning, and fun on the field!
Shellie Rocca, Co-ordinator of Touch Football
Robotics
Duel Down Under (DDU) Saturday 28 June to Sunday 29 June
An incredible competition for our FRC team, Pymble Pride, at this year’s DDU. We had three Pymble teams competing: 6510, 6497, and 9987.
Teams 6510 and 6497 advanced to the playoffs. Team 6510 was the alliance captain of Alliance 5, alongside teams 8613 Barker Greybacks and 9147 The Joebots. Team 6497 joined Alliance 6 with teams 9990 Off-Season Demo Team and 6434 Wolfgang. Team 6497 competed strongly in the opening rounds, while 6510 progressed through to the semi-finals.
For many students, it was their first experience as part of a drive team. Team 6497 and 9987 rotated drive teams to give everyone a chance on the field, while 6510 rotated technician and human player roles, offering more students the opportunity to actively participate. Our scouting team also played a key role, using the Magic Scouting app developed by team 5800 to assist the teams during the qualification matches and for the Alliance selection.
Pymble pride was on display throughout the event as students supported one another, gained valuable experience, and embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.
For many of our students, FRC and the FRC culture are still new. But even in this short time, they’ve recognised just how important that culture is, how it shapes the competitions, makes them fun and meaningful, and reminds us of what we need to protect and carry forward.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made DDU 2025 possible. Your time, energy and commitment to the teams are what make events like this happen.
MRT Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July – Outstanding Results at FRC National Competition!
Over the holidays, both of our FRC teams competed at a national competition in Melbourne, facing strong teams from South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Our senior team, 6510 Pymble Pride, had an exceptional performance, ranking first overall and winning the event! Our younger team, 6497 Pymble Pride II, also impressed everyone, ranking third overall and finishing as alliance captains of the finalist alliance. This remarkable achievement further highlights their growing talent, determination, and potential.
The Robotics staff are immensely proud of both teams and looking forward to seeing what they will build for the 2026 season during summer break in a couple of months. We would also like to thank all the volunteers who made this event possible.
This competition officially marks the end of our 2025 season, and it’s now time to retire our beloved robots. You can still see them one final time at the Garden Party on Saturday 20 September.
In the coming months, our students will focus on further developing their technical skills, preparing them to achieve even greater heights in the 2026 season.
