Watch us change the world through service - 16 February
From the Principal
This year, Pymble’s focus is on using our gifts and talents to give back to community. With this in mind, this week’s Newsletter outlines my commitments to education and organisations beyond the gates of Pymble in 2023, along with new service initiatives for students I am engaged in supporting. Thank you to my wonderful husband, Matt, and our family, the College Board, Pymble staff, and our girls and families whose support enables me to give back, and to be enriched, through these opportunities.
The groups I will continue to contribute to, and learn from, in 2023 include:
Association of Independent Schools, NSW (AISNSW) Mental Health Advisory Board – Chair
AISNSW Advisory Board
Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) Standing Committee
Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA) Board – Treasurer
Australian Youth Orchestra Board
Telethon Kids Institute (The University of Western Australia) – Adjunct Research Fellow
The Child Health Promotion Research Centre (Edith Cowan University) – Adjunct Research Fellow.
Speaking of commitments, I am delighted to let you know I have now finished the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work that I started in 2022. While I have learned so much, it was, frankly, a bit crazy completing a Master’s degree in one year. Thank you to my wonderful assistant, Shannon Sengupta, and everyone else who became involved in supporting me during that time.
March of the Living (visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau)
Late last year, I was approached by the Board of March of the Living (MOTL) Australia to consider being funded to attend this program from 14 to 30 April 2023, along with two other selected community members (Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe and award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie). The Board of MOTL is keen to kickstart the program again, post-COVID, and decided to invite non-Jewish community leaders who they felt could use this experience to promote social justice for future generations.
MOTL is a for-purpose, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The program is an inclusive and immersive educational experience of “going where history books can’t”, which includes visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and speaking with, and learning from, Holocaust survivors. It is internationally renowned and, since its inception in 1988, has more than 300,000 alumni from 50 countries.
Aside from being surprised and humbled to be invited onto the program, and very grateful to our Chair, James Hunter, and College Board for supporting this opportunity, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure my involvement is a meaningful experience for our students and our community.
After discussing the trip with our staff, I have been overwhelmed by the support and the many staff members who have reached out to share their family history or connections with the Holocaust. Thank you, Team Pymble, for sharing your stories with me and for your warm encouragement.
Next year, I hope we can offer MOTL as an experience for our students – I know our history faculty and other staff are keen to support this tour. Who knows, perhaps we can encourage other schools to also take up the opportunity. I will be speaking with our Secondary students about MOTL in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your support and please do reach out to me should you wish to share your story.
Other service programs reignited and under development for students
East Meru – Tanzania
For many years, the College has supported East Meru Community School in Tanzania, visiting often to be of service in this community. I am pleased to say we are re-launching this program in September 2023. Thank you to our Head of Wellbeing (7-12), Michelle Hunt (pictured on the right, in the photo at the top of the page), for her passion and drive in reigniting this opportunity for our students in Years 10 and 11.
Athens and Thessaloniki – Greece
With giving back in mind, and using the connections made during my sabbatical in 2022, our Deputy Principal, Lamia Rockwell, and I are working on an annual service and history trip to Greece, starting in September this year. We are co-designing the experience with Manas Ghanem, who is a lawyer, Fulbright laureate, specialist in Conflict Transformation and Peace-building, and the former Legal Officer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Students participating will work with The Melissa Network in Athens and Solidarity Now in Thessaloniki. Draft dates for this program, which will be open to students in Years 10 and 11, are 23 September to 14 October 2023.
More information about each of these new programs, and other service opportunities in 2023, will be provided to students later in the year.
Me pictured with Debbie, who is from The Melissa Network and Head of the Kindergarten established for the children of refugees in Athens.Manas Ghanem (pictured in the middle) with members of the Solidarity Now team in Thessaloniki.
Finally, Matt and I are looking forward to volunteering at Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross throughout the year – even more so after hearing from Wayside’s inspirational Head of Marketing and Fundraising, Laura Henry, at our first combined assembly this year. (Laura is pictured wearing the fabulous “Love Over Hate” Wayside Chapel t-shirt in the centre of the photograph at the top of this page.) For now, I’m signing off with a heartfelt thank you for the support each of you gives me to use my gifts and talents to be of service to our Pymble family and our local and global communities.
Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
This week I am in Dubbo and Brewarrina with a group of 18 Year 6 girls. This is part of our focus on deepening our understanding of the rich history of our First Nations People. We set off on Sunday morning and we are due back this evening. I look forward to sharing the stories and learning we have gathered from this trip. I am extremely proud and humbled that we have been invited to Brewarrina Central School to learn alongside the children there, and I look forward to welcoming some of their Year 5 and 6 girls back to Vision Valley later this year.
We are so proud of Faith Hedley, Year 6, who performed last weekend in the opening show of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Faith is playing the role of Judah and the show is running until the end of March at the Capitol Theatre.
In my absence from campus, Mrs Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School Academics is writing this newsletter.
A message from Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
Welcome to Week 3! It has started with a bang for our Year 1 students who have commenced the week exploring and investigating sound during their Science incursion: The Science of Sound. Kindergarten used concrete materials to help build a strong foundational understanding of number concepts in Mathematics. They also used Unifix blocks to create a city of towers that represented different numbers and the girls also participated in relay races correctly ordering numbers as a team. Year 2 focused on developing their understanding of place value in Mathematics, representing ‘hundreds’, ‘tens’ and ‘ones’ using MAB blocks. Discovery, exploration, and investigation play an important role across the primary curriculum and, learning by doing enables children to be active participants in the learning process.
Year 6 students are investigating forces, including friction, gravity and air resistance. The girls were posing questions and deepening their scientific understanding. Year 5 continued their investigation on how people and the environment affect the growth, survival and adaptation of living things. As the girls acquire new knowledge, they are also developing important skills such as communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking and problem solving. Embedded in classroom activities are opportunities for the girls to develop such skills.
In Assembly last week, a sea of student hands filled the hall as our Junior School girls responded to a question I posed “Who is having a go in their learning even when it is a little tricky?” It was wonderful to see so many hands in the air showing commitment by the girls to their learning. This term we will continue to encourage the girls to have a go, be brave and take risks in their learning. “Fabulous failures” are all part of being an active learner, providing opportunities for learners to explore different pathways to find solutions, acquire new knowledge and skills, ask questions and work collaboratively with peers. When girls are explained failure constructively, understanding that it is not a personal reflection on their worth or ability, it helps them become more willing and confident to take risks and sets them up for success as learners.
Academic Series – Reading at home with your Daughter
To launch our academic series for parents, we will be hosting a webinar “Reading with your Daughter”. In this webinar, our K-2 Year Co-ordinators together with Mrs Geraldine Roberts, K-2 Learning Support Co-ordinator will present on the importance of supporting a reader and the reading environment, the 5 essential elements of reading, comprehension and vocabulary. This webinar will be presented via Microsoft Teams (online) on Thursday, 23 February at 5.30pm to 6.30pm. If you would like to register for this event, please use this link.
In Week 6B on Thursday 9 March at 6.00pm, we will continue our academic series with a focus on Mathematics: “Being a Junior Mathematician”. Parents will learn how Mathematics is taught in the Junior School and participate in hands on activities that promote Mathematical reasoning and behaviours. This event will be held in John Reid Hall. More information will be posted in the newsletter in the coming weeks.
Competitions and External Opportunities
Across the year information on various competitions will be posted in the newsletter or announced at Assembly. Some competitions are embedded within learning activities in the classroom or at school (such as Pens against Poverty Writing Competition, Write a Book in a Day, House Robotics Competition, etc) while others may be external to this (such as da Vinci Decathlon, Literacy Festival, etc). These competitions may have an academic focus, encourage passions and interests or develop leadership skills and may involve a whole year group or a small group of students.
ICAS Assessments Years 3-6
ICAS Assessments will take place outside of school hours (7.00am-8.00am) in Term 3. A notice will be posted on the portal regarding the testing window, cost and timetable for Years 3-6. Parents will be able to nominate which assessment they would like their daughter to sit.
Our Junior School Be-of-Service Superstar of the Week
4D superstar Amélie Berg really enjoys helping the Smiles2U charity as part of her service and kindness to the community. Smile2U provide essential packs for families who find themselves in hospital emergency. Kids receive a pack with toys, books and colouring to distract them while parents get a pack with toiletries. Amélie loves packing these bags hoping they will help the kids feel a little better.
Around the Grounds – Kate Giles, Lead Co-ordinator K-3
Kindergarten
Kindergarten have had another fantastic week of learning and experienced their first Assembly. They have started their investigation into living and non-living things and have loved the hands on activities like drawing in the Riverbed and making living and non-living things from playdough. They are now learning to ask questions to determine what living things need to survive, particularly looking at themselves.
Year 1 Fizzics Incursion- The Science of Sound
What is sound? How can sound change? How does sound travel? What do soundwaves look like? These are just some of the many fascinating questions that Year 1 explored during their Fizzics Education Incursion; The Science of Sound.
Our enthusiastic scientist Phoenix used balloon tubes to model how sound creates vibrations, and even used progressively shorter straws to demonstrate how size and length can affect pitch. The girls spent a noisy and exciting lesson interacting with all manner of sound-producing objects, from drums, bells and tambourines to pipe hoses, metal coat-hangers and slinky cups.
“I learnt that long objects make a lower sound and shorter objects make a higher sound.” -Charlotte C
“I liked it when we cut the straws and they made different sounds.” – Olivia
“I enjoyed watching the plate vibrate and make different shapes in the sand.” – Melaina
“I enjoyed playing with all the objects that made sound. My favourite one was the xylophone.” – Charlotte L
“I could hear my friend talk through a hose and no one else could!”- Katherine
Year 2
Year 2 have enjoyed immersing themselves in picture books about water to start their investigation into natural resources. They considered the different forms of water on the planet and its uses and asked questions to further their understanding about water. The girls have also started to explore soil and how it is also a valuable resource.
URSTRONG Sessions
Years 1 to 6 attended workshops with Dana Kerford, the founder of URSTRONG an organisation that is working with Pymble to help empower the girls with friendship skills. The girls explored the 4 friendship facts, the qualities of healthy friendships and how to use the friend-o-meter to reflect on how their friendships are going. Dana helped the girls explore and role play how to put out friendship fires and know the difference between these and mean on purpose behaviour.
“I loved using my toy to act out how to put out a friendship fire.” – Sienna
“Dana taught us to use a quick come back when any one is mean on purpose to us.” – Grace
“Today I learnt that I can be a Friendship Ninja by talking it out when I have a friendship fire with my friends.” – Mia
Year 3 Mind Body Spirit Day
Taking time to connect, breathe and create, Year 3 spent a day learning more about themselves and each other while creating watercolour paintings, natural mandalas, and reflecting on what was important. The Indigenous games played on the oval were a definite highlight and the girls took away their love heart envelopes containing the things that were important to them.
“I had so much fun today, my favourite activity was playing the games on the oval. I also liked the painting.” – Maria
“I really liked making love heart envelopes and wrote the things that were important to us on them.” – Mia
“We learned how to do Hot Chocolate Breathing. I thought it was fun and really good idea! We were all tired at the end but we all had fun on this wonderful Mind Body Spirit Day.” – Tiffany
“I had lots of fun going to the oval to play the Indigenous games. My favourite was Wanambi (the snake tip game). I also really liked the watercolour painting as it was peaceful.” – Mia
“I made a new friend in my class today and got to know some people a little better.” – Emma
Around the Grounds – Jayne Mercer, Lead Co-ordinator 4-6
Year 4
Year 4 have started their Inquiry unit looking at Community and Connections. Girls will have the opportunity to connect their understanding of their own cultural backgrounds with those of their peers as well as develop a deeper understanding of First Nations People’s connections to Country and place. The girls have looked at their own family’s celebrations, Lunar New Year and the significance of Australia Day from different perspectives.
Year 5
Year 5 Mind Body Spirit Day provided the girls an opportunity to try new things, take time to reflect on ways to connect to self and start to build new friendships. Even the rain showers couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm for painting, sketching, meditation, team building games, a dance lesson and a visit to the farm.
“The dance session was fun and made me feel happy because being with everyone made me feel warm and comfortable.” – Anna S
“I really enjoyed feeding all the animals and I also got to touch the ducks and chickens. The visit to the farm made me feel calmer.” – Katelyn G
“The meditation session was the perfect way to end the day.” – Divangi S
Year 6
Walking into Year 6 each day it is wonderful to see how engaged the girls are in their learning and the responsibility they are taking towards being the leaders of the school. Unstructured Play sessions this term will give the girls lots of opportunities to test out their learning from their Science unit looking at forces. There is lots of excitement about the upcoming trip to Canberra and camp later in the year.
“In Science when investigating forces I found out that when a surface is rougher the amount of friction increases.” – Jing L
“In Science we are learning about G force and G force is a force of gravity which happens, for example on a ride in Dreamworld, it pulls you down when you’re moving rapidly from a height.” – Isabella D
“In Science I have learnt about air resistance by increasing the size of the parachute the object moves slower. A smaller parachute would move faster.” – Jennifer X
“I am looking forward to visiting Parliament House” – Orla C
“I am looking forward to camp and getting to ride a horse for the first time” – Olivia C
“I am looking forward to learning about how Australia is governed” – Chloe L
Cross Country Carnival Years 2 to 6 – Tuesday 21 February
The Junior School Cross Country is being held next Tuesday 21 February on Main Oval and around the College Campus. Please see below some important information:
Girls will arrive at school as normal. They are allowed to wear their House sport uniform to and from school.
The course is on a variety of surfaces so girls are not to run in spike. Please remind girls to wear their hats, bring a full water bottle and their asthma medication if needed.
Periods 1 and 2 are normal. The Carnival will begin at the end of recess at approximately 11.00am.
There will be five races – 12 Years, 11 Years, 10 Years, 8/9 Years and 7 Years (Year 2).
The carnival will finish by 12.45pm. Normal school timetables will resume at the completion of the carnival.
Kindy and Year 1 will have a normal school day.
Before and After School Co-Curricular programs will run as normal.
Parents are welcome to attend the carnival but are asked to watch from the spectator’s area around the long jump pit and the pedestrian walkway around Main Oval.
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
We are looking forward to seeing you at our Years 4 to 6 Breakfast tomorrow morning Friday 17 February in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) from 7.30am to 9.00am.
Also, please join us for the PPA Icebreaker next Friday 24 February from 6.45pm on Gloucester Lawn (near the Jacaranda tree and the Main Hall). Click here to purchase tickets! Please note that your ticket includes canapes and drinks.
Parent Contact Directory
The parent contact directory is available on MyPymble and has been developed for parents and carers to opt-in to share their contact details with other parents and carers in their daughter(s) year group to help build community connections.
Your contact details are in MyPymble under User Details (which can be accessed via the MyPymble app or via desktop). Could you please ensure these are updated for this year and particularly for our new families. You can also access the Parent Directory for your daughter’s roll call class and co-curricular activities.
Please note that you can opt to share certain details, including your name, email address, phone number and suburb. Please update these details so that you may be contacted by fellow parents in your daughter’s class.
Your Year Coordinators will shortly be sending out emails to your year groups with further details including your WhatsApp groups for your year and classes.
Year 3 Dads & Daughters Bowls Afternoon
Please join us for the Year 3 Dads & Daughters Bowls on Sunday 26 February at West Pymble Bowls Club. Please RSVP to Sam Birch on 0400 026 565, Matt Ware on 0404 063 386 or Jon Ruiz del Portal on 0410 672 439.
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School
From the Middle School
This week in Middle School Compass Curriculum we are working with the girls to explore the importance of friendships and the complexities associated with social group dynamics. As our girls move toward independence and learn to navigate the challenges associated with the choices they make, it is important to make room for them to reflect and explore their options. This year the Compass team have embraced the Circles Solutions framework in an attempt to encourage respectful and inclusive conversations across our Mind/ Body/ Spirit time. By enabling the girls to use their voices in a space where they feel heard, cared for and supported; we hope to empower them to be stronger more resilient individuals. You may like to learn more about this approach by clicking here.
It was unfortunate that we had to postpone Tuesday’s Year 8 Mind/ Body/Spirit Day due to the inclement weather but we are working to lock in a new date and will be in touch. The team is looking forward to welcoming parents to the campus on the 28th of Feb for our Knowing People/ Knowing Pymble event.
Term 1 Key Dates
Tuesday 21 February – Secondary School Cross Country
Tuesday 28 February – Knowing People, Knowing Pymble
Monday 6 March – Year 7 Mind Body Spirit Day
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Mr Riley, Head of Upper School
It has been another busy and exciting week in the Upper School, with our Year 10s buzzing about their upcoming Urban Challenge in Week 4 and many students interviewing for coveted exchange positions on offer this year. On Monday, Paul from the Urban Challenge addressed our Year 10s explaining the day program (see here for more information) before the girls had the opportunity to plan their themes and assign leadership roles for the day. We look forward to sharing a few pictures and videos next week! For exchange, we are so pleased to be offering places at 12 amazing schools across the globe (including Scotland, Italy, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, America, and Spain) after years of Covid interruptions to this fabulous program.
It has been exciting to hear about the adventurers of our first Residential Program cohort out at Vision Valley, who have just returned from their first expedition to Bouddi National Park, and to prepare for the departure of our 1B group who are now less than a month away!
We very much look forward to welcoming our Upper School families to campus on Monday 27 February for our Wellbeing Information Night. We have listened to community feedback from 2022 in holding the night later in the evening this year, addressing Year 9 and 10 separately, holding it on a Monday night to accommodate our wonderful Boarding families and having a more structured opportunity for you to get to know your daughter’s Compass Teacher. We look forward to circulating the invite shortly and hopefully seeing you there.
In closing, I would like to draw your attention to a topic widely circulating in the media: Chat GPT. If you have not explored this amazing tool, I encourage you to look at this or this article and/or talk to your daughter. I was extremely fortunate to hear from our amazing Director of Innovative Technologies, Mr. Anthony England, about it last week and left absolutely gobsmacked! For schools, this new tool will have a lot of implications but for the moment, I hope you too can share in the sense of wonder as we gaze into the power of the future.
Key Dates
Thursday 16 February – Residential Program 1A Parent Event
Monday 20 February – Urban Challenge for Year 10
Tuesday 21 February – Senior School Cross Country
Friday 24 February – Pymble Icebreaker
Tom Riley
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
Year 11 Information Evening
Many thanks to everyone who attended the Year 11 Information Evening on Monday this week. I do understand that this was not possible for everyone, so here is the link to the recording of the information session: https://youtu.be/K-gwPSgQ2uU
Also please find below some information that was presented from the Futures Team:
Mentoring
We have also now formally launched the Senior School mentoring program to both Years 11 and 12. Senior students are offered the option of working with a mentor – a senior member of staff who is willing to meet individually with the girls to discuss their long-term goals and challenges. The mentoring partnership is a structured one-to-one relationship that focuses on the requirements of the student, or mentee. The relationship can be described as ‘walking alongside’ a younger person with the goal or aim of assisting that person to achieve their potential, in a supportive environment.
Students in both years have been invited to sign up for this voluntary program if they are interested – many Year 12 girls are continuing with their mentors from last year. I would really encourage all students to take this opportunity to invest in themselves.
Year 11 Formal
A reminder that tickets are still on sale for the Year 11 Formal on Friday 3 March at Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills. The cost of the event is $130 per person (includes a three-course meal and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages). Girls may invite a partner to accompany them if they wish. Please note that ticket sales will close on Friday 17 February at 4.00pm.
Last week we celebrated a new tradition – our Boarders’ Badge Ceremony. It was my great pleasure to formally introduce our new Boarders and to award them their Boarder’s badges in a special Chapel service. It has been lovely to see the girls wearing these with badges with great pride.
Galentine’s Day!
Once again it has been a busy week and there was no sweeter day than our very own Boarder celebration of ‘Galentine’s Day’. Our Boarders enjoyed the treat of love hearts on their pillows and had great fun ‘speed dating’ in our Spirit House Circles. Thank you to our Spirit House Captains who made this such a fun evening.
Loving Love It – Mrs White, Deputy Director of Boarding
The ‘Love it’ program was popular last weekend with mini golf on Saturday night being a highlight. It was a beautiful Sydney evening and the conditions were just right for a spot of golf. Sunday was an opportunity to head back into the city to check out The Rocks markets. The girls delighted in the opportunity to walk over the Harbour Bridge and then enjoy all the treats that the markets had to offer.
This weekend, we will be heading to the North Sydney noodle markets on Friday evening and then it will be off to a movie on Saturday night. We are keeping our fingers cross for some good weather so we can take advantage of the open-air cinemas in Sydney. Sunday will be an opportunity to head to the beach to cool off. Our trips to Manly are always popular as the girls love to take a dip in the world-famous Fairy Bower pool.
View From My Window
For those of you who are new to us, this section of our newsletter aims to celebrate the diversity of our beautiful Boarding family. Each week one of our Boarders writes about their life at home, sharing stories and glimpses of what they see out of their window when they are home with their families. This week we feature Year 10 Boarder, Gina Lau who calls Hong Kong home.
Hi everyone , my name is Gina and I live in Hong Kong, right in the city centre. Although my flat is quite small, the breathtaking view I’m greeted by everyday absolutely makes up for it. When I look out my window, I see these towering skyscrapers and buildings, but also not far off is the stunning vast ocean, which I often find myself gazing off into. It’s a lovely contrast of the famous city skyline and the underrated natural scenery that is just gorgeous. The best thing about living in Hong Kong is that I get to visit Disneyland every weekend and the irresistible food.
I live with my parents and two younger sisters, Brielle, who is four, and Katie, who is eleven. When I’m away from home, they’re the ones I miss most. We do all sorts of fooling around and turning the house upside down. Bed forts and tea parties are a major hit at the moment.
You can imagine the mess that comes along with that. They also enjoy dressing up and always insist on involving me. Especially on Halloween, the “most important dress up night of the year.”
It’s always a bittersweet feeling to return to Pymble. I miss my home a lot, but I’m always thrilled to come back because I know I’ll be learning new things and meeting all of the wonderful people here. Being at Pymble is an unforgettable experience, and being surrounded by such fantastic supportive systems makes it easy to call this my home away from home.
Boarder of the Week
Congratulations to Year 8 Boarder, Isabelle (Belle) Burke who is our Boarder of the Week. Belle has been a shining light in Marden House since she arrived from Scone last year. Each week, she manages a full schedule but always has time to greet those around her with a big, friendly smile that she is rarely seen without. Belle just always ‘gets on with things’ without fuss or complaint. She displays a strong sense of empathy and care for her Boarding sisters and is always willing to put her hand up to help someone out. Belle has grown so beautifully and has flourished during her time at Pymble so far. We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she does next!
Save the Date
24 February – College Icebreaker and Boarders’ Family Friends Movie and Pizza Night
16-17 March – Pymble Comes to You: Port Macquarie and Jerrys Plains
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Deputy Principals – Academic (Acting)
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made headlines around the world this year. ChatGPT, created by AI research company OpenAI, launched in late November 2022 and can produce natural language (such as emails and essays) unlike anything we have seen before.
It is not only the written word that can be produced by AI; other services or products can create art, music, and even generate code. Some experts and thought leaders are claiming that AI is set to disrupt the world.
We are keen to understand how AI can amplify the learning of our students.
Rest assured that our exceptional teaching staff has already begun exploring the possibilities of AI in the classroom. Moreover, our Director of Innovative Technologies, Mr Anthony England, has been leading the charge with quality professional learning experiences for staff.
Our aim is to utilise AI as a tool in learning, where appropriate, and engage in meaningful dialogues with students about ethical usage and the importance of fact-checking.
We look forward to sharing more about AI as it relates to learning within future newsletter entries.
NAPLAN – Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be administered in Term 1 from 2023 onward. This decision was made nationally to ensure schools had access to student achievement data as early as possible.
NAPLAN also intends to evolve its reporting to parents, students and schools.
More information about the new reporting, and the upcoming test arrangements, will be communicated via the Junior School and Secondary School to parents/carers of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 so please ensure that your contact details are correct via the Parent Portal.
Natasha Stanfield and Jake Plaskett
Director of Studies 7-12 and Director of Academic Excellence
From the Chaplains
By now, our students and families should know I have received a call to minister at Balmain Uniting Church and will finish my time here at Pymble at the end of this Term. It seems fitting that this announcement was made on Valentine’s Day – a day that has become synonymous with the expression love – and ahead of Transfiguration Day on Sunday when Jesus is seen and loved by our community.
I look forward to my last two months with Pymble students, staff and families and want to thank you for all your care and support during my time here at the College. My journey at Pymble has been one of love. It has been a privilege to be one of your Chaplains for the last 11 and a half years. I have valued getting to know the students, working with the amazing staff, and ministering in this diverse community. It has been a privilege to live within a multi-cultural, multi-faith community, which is intentional about being inclusive.
I want to thank all the amazing staff for the work they do here at the College – the teachers, facilities team, finance team, cleaners, administrators, operational staff and coaches are genuinely an inspiration in the work they do and the way they do it. We are also very fortunate to have incredible leadership at the school, with leaders who are easy to talk to. To my fellow chaplain, Rev Bent, who is an inspiration to work with, a person who embodies the love of God, and one who loves all our students and all our staff, thank you.
It is a bittersweet time for me right now, however, I plan to savour every moment of the next two months and save my heartfelt goodbyes for a later date.
Love and blessings to you all.
Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres
College Chaplain
From the Community Engagement Team
PPA Semester 1 Meeting
Thank you to all the parents that attended our first PPA meeting of the year – it was a great turnout. We hope you enjoyed hearing from Dr Hadwen and Mrs Hunt. For those wanting to catch up on the evening, you can view a full recording of the meeting by clicking here.
Event Calendar
All community events can be viewed on the calendar in the MyPymble app. Please make sure to check this regularly to keep up to date with opportunities to connect at the College.
Feedback Wanted
We are holding a series of focus groups in Week 6 of Term 1 to gather feedback on the MyPymble app. If you would like to attend a focus group or have any comments or feedback, we would love to hear it via our email at communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Parent Breakfasts
We look forward to welcoming parents and carers from Years 4 to 6 tomorrow morning for the second of our Junior School parent breakfasts. If you would like to come but havent yet booked, we are still taking registrations. Please click here to book: Parent Breakfast, Year 4 to Year 6
Icebreaker is always a favourite on the Term 1 calendar. Tickets are open to all parents and carers and there is an option for childcare for those that require it. To book a ticket to Icebreaker, please click here. To book childcare, please click here. Icebreaker is a social event where you will get to meet your daughter’s teachers and hear from our Chair, Mr James Hunter and Principal, Dr Kate Hadwen. Ticket sales closing soon!
New Parents’ High Tea
Each year the Pymble family invites new parents to attend a high tea. This is an event not to be missed, with the attendance of Dr Hadwen along with several teachers and staff. In 2023 the tea will be held on Thursday 23 March for new parents to the College, including all Year 7 parents (new and returning). Details on how to book will be announced soon.
Kelly Mancey
Director of Community Engagement and Advancement
From the Co-curricular Sports Team
Australian Walking Championships
Congratulations to Grace Beck (Year 9) who travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Walking Championships. Grace competed in the Under 20’s, 5km event and walked away with a silver medal.
Abigail Ballhausen (Year 12) and Caitlyn Tan (Year 12) competed at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre at the New South Wales State 5km Championships. It was the first time both have competed in the 5km event on track, and both were awesome. Abigail placed 14th in the women’s open race and placed 3rd in the under 20’s category. Congratulations Abigail.
Well done to all our athletes who also competed in the very tough conditions of heat and humidity on Saturday. Lana Pike (Year 10), Claudia Wyatt (Year 7), Sarah Baker (Year 11), Samara Bond (Year 10), Gabriella Taylor (Year 12), Sophia Slater (Year 10) and Georgia Phillips (Year 11).
Katie Edwards
Head of Sport – Year 7 to 12
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From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
As we embrace the exciting and dynamic rhythms of the Performing Arts journey for 2023, students are beginning to hit their stride in terms of co-curricular classes and rehearsals in Dance, Drama, Language Arts, Music and Speech and Drama.
This term brings many exciting events in all Performing Arts areas. A forthcoming brochure for the Performing Arts at Pymble will detail the dates for these events. More detailed aspects of each performance event such as specific venues will be communicated by individual Performing Arts areas.
Final registrations and auditions are taking place for Performing Arts co-curricular programs. Please ensure that you are sure of weekly schedules for lessons and rehearsals. Again, I thank CCSA for their amazing support of these complex processes and care for each student.
Michael Griffiths
Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts
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From the Futures Team
Did you know seven Year 12 students achieved offers for overseas study last year?
Congratulations to:
Lilian Huntley – offered a sports scholarship (rowing) at Rutgers
Faye Chang – offered a placement at Oxford University studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Mehreen Khan – offered a sports scholarship (rowing) at University of Pennsylvania
Isabel Dean – offered a placement at Royal College of Music, London
Ashley Ko – offered placement at Durham studying Law
Thanya Paidi – offered a conditional placement at Sheffield/Brunel studying Biomedical Science
Jasmine Zhi – offered a placement at London School of Economics studying International Social and Public Policy
Could this be you in the future?
If you are curious about pursuing an international pathway when you finish school, join us at the Overseas Study Information Evening. You hear from experts and advisors and ask questions to help you understand the fundamentals of overseas study.
Furthermore, for students wanting to take a deeper dive into the application processes and gain a greater understanding of the overseas pathway, Futures@Pymble will be running our first Masterclass on Friday 3 March. Further details with a sign up link will be sent to students soon.
Save the Date – Futures Key Events
Thursday 2 March – Study Overseas Online Information Evening, 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Monday 3 April – Careers Expo, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Kim Maksimovic
Director of Futures and Partnership (K-12)
Co-curricular Administration
Performance Awards
Congratulations to students who have received an upgrade to their Term 2 2022 Performance Awards. Please click on the link to view the full list of upgraded award winners.
Term 1, Semester 1 and 2023 Year Program Registrations
All Term 1, Semester 1 and Yearly 2023 Co-curricular programs are now underway after confirmations were sent on Friday 27 January. If you would like to withdraw your daughter from a program, transfer between programs, or have missed registering her for a program, registration requests can be made by clicking here to complete the Co-curricular Registration Request form. Please note, we are receiving a high volume of emails, calls and registration requests at this time so we appreciate your patience as we get back to you which may take a couple of days.
The cut-off date for Co-curricular Registration Requests is Monday 8.00am of Week 4, Term 1 (Monday 20 February).
All registration requests are currently being processed and you should receive an outcome via email. We have received a large volume of emails, calls and registration requests at this time so we appreciate your patience as we get back to you.
A reminder that our conditions of Co-curricular registration were updated for 2023 and can be found by clicking here.
Term 2 Saturday Sport Registrations
The registration period for Term 2 Saturday Sports has been extended and will now close on Wednesday 22 February at 12.00pm. The options available to students are as follows:
IPSHA Hockey (Year 3 to 6)
IPSHA Netball (Year 3 to 6)
Futsal (Year 3 to 12)
IGSA Basketball (Year 7 to 12)
IGSA Football (Year 7 to 12)
Winter Semester (Terms 2 and 3) Rugby Sevens (Year 7 to 12)
All registrations are made via the online registration system, which can be accessed from the Co-curricular at Pymble pages of MyPymble (click here; parent log in required).
Mrs Susan Lindsay
Acting Head of Co-curricular Administration
AFL
It was a hot afternoon for all the AFL athletes over the weekend and a great effort by all in such tough conditions.
A huge shout out to all the Division 2 teams who came up against some tough sides. Many schools who only have one team enter them into Division 2, so our team can come up against some talented players and still made them work for a victory.
Results from Round 1:
Pymble 1 defeated St Catherine’s School 1 – 23 to 7
Pymble 2 defeated Wenona School 2 – 63 to 6
Pymble 3 defeated Loreto 2 – 33 to 18
Pymble 4 defeated Ravenswood 3 – 57 to 36
Pymble 5 loss to Barker College 3 – 25 to 48
Pymble 6 defeated Loreto 6 – 42 to 19
Pymble 7 loss to Stella Maris College 2 – 57 to 1
Jack Garrard
Sports Co-ordinator – AFL
Artistic Gymnastics
Aerial Circus
We were so excited to introduce Pymble to the world of Circus this Term with 22 students from Years 3 to 6 joining the fun. For the first time ever, we had students swinging on trapezes, performing upside-down splits in the air and just “hanging out” on the lyra or hoops. Our new Circus instructor, Samantha, who has 10 years’ experience in trapeze, lyra and silks will be teaching the fundamentals of Circus in a fun and non-competitive way. There is something for everyone and for all levels. There are still places available, so if you want to come down and have a play please submit a post registration request, which can be found by clicking here.
Aerial Circus Introduction: Tuesday 7.00am to 8.00am
Aerial Circus Foundations: Tuesday 12.45pm to 1.30pm
Alison Gestier
Sports Co-ordinator – Artistic Gymnastics
Athletics
Co-curricular Athletics Program
Last week saw the first week full week of Athletics training. It was great to see so many new faces and those who are back for another year of running, jumping, and throwing.
For anyone wishing to register for Athletics/Cross Country this term, please click here.
School Cross Country
A reminder that the Secondary School Cross Country will be taking place at the College next Tuesday 21 February. This is a compulsory event for all Year 7 to 12 students. We are very much looking forward to seeing you all bring your running shoes and house spirit to the event.
Laura Verlinden
Sports Co-ordinator – Athletics
Badminton
Round 1 of Badminton took place on Saturday with Pymble hosting and parents back on site, and it certainly was a fantastic atmosphere to be part of.
We have a huge 28 Pymble teams competing in the igsa Badminton competition this year, and we saw our Senior Firsts (S01), Junior Firsts (J01), and Year 7 Firsts (Y701) all come away with a win.
Well done to all our Badminton players for their wonderful efforts on the weekend. Not only in terms of results, but in displaying an impressive level of respect and sportsmanship between teammates and oppositions. It was great to witness, and it is certainly setting Pymble players up for a wonderful and exciting season ahead.
We wish all our Badminton Players the very best of luck for Round 2 this Saturday.
Laura Verlinden
Sports Co-ordinator – Badminton
Cricket
Our 2023 Cricket season commenced on Saturday with both our Pymble 1 and Pymble 2 teams taking on West Pennant Hills Cricket Club in their annual Pink Stumps Day.
Our Pymble 1 team scored a total of 25 runs. Well done to Abani Dhaliwal (Year 8), Alice Mao (Year 9), Phoebe Cooper (Year 10), Brielle McDonald (Year 8) and Anjali Shah (Year 8) who all contributed to the run score.
An outstanding performance from Phoebe Cooper (Year 10) who got 5 wickets! An incredible achievement from Phoebe. A special mention to both Sophie Webster (Year 8) and Charlotte Henderson (Year 9) who also took one wicket each.
Pennant Hills were too strong and surpassed our score for the day.
Pymble 2 came up against another strong outfit. Special mentions to Shereen Jawaad (Year 7), Indigo Meldrum (Year 7) and Sheryl Alexander who all added to the Pymble run total.
In the bowling attack Tia Pillai (Year 7) and Miesha Gal (Year 7) both took wickets to halt the opposition run chase. Unfortunately, this was not enough, and our total was again surpassed.
Overall, a promising start and plenty to work on this week before we take the pitch for Round 2.
Jack Garrad
Sports Co-ordinator – Cricket
Fencing
Rianne Leung (Year 7) entered four Fencing competition events at the Australian Fencing Federation between Friday 4 February to Sunday 6 February in Melbourne. They are the individual and team foil events of the Australian Youth Circuit #1 (Under 15) and the National Junior Championships (under 20). Rianne was champion in both the individual and team events of the Australian Youth Circuit #1, while finishing 2nd in the individual event of the National Junior Championships. Congratulations Rianne on an extremely successful weekend!
Renee Leung (Year 10) entered the individual and team foil events of the National Junior Championships held in Melbourne the same weekend. Renee finished 8th in the individual event and 2nd in the team event together with Rianne on the team.
Whilst we don’t train for foil here at Pymble it is fantastic to see the talent of our fencers shine through training with our affiliated club Scherma who trains on campus on a Saturday afternoon.
Megan O’Keeffe
Sports Co-ordinator – Fencing
Junior School Sports
Cross Country
The Junior School Cross Country is being held on Tuesday 21 February on Main Oval and around the College campus. Please see below some important information
Students are to arrive as normal. They are allowed to wear their house uniform to and from school.
The course is run on a variety of surfaces, so students are not to run in spikes. Please remind them to wear their hats, bring a full water bottle and their asthma medication if required.
Periods one and two will run as normal. The Carnival will begin at the end of recess at approximately 11.00am.
There will be five races – 12 Years, 11 Years, 10 Years, 8 and 9 Years and Year 2 – 7-year-olds. We anticipate the day will finish by 12:45pm
Normal school timetables will resume at the completion of the carnival.
Kindergarten and Year 1 will have a normal school day.
Before and after Co-Curricular programs will run as normal.
Parents are welcome to attend the carnival and are asked to watch from the spectator’s area around the Long Jump pit and the pedestrian walkway around Main Oval.
IPSHA, CIS and NSWPSSA Representative Team Trials
Any Year 5 or Year 6 students interested in trailing for an IPSHA Representative Team, please refer to our school trials schedule below. For your reference, the skill level of these trials are very high. It is recommended that only A Division or Representative level players attend the school trial.
Our next school trial will be:
NSWPSSA AFL School Trial
Friday 24 February 12:45pm to 1:30pm at Main Oval
IPSHA Saturday Sport News
Congratulations to IPSHA Football Pymble 7 (Year 4). Even though they did not win their match, the effort, grit, but mostly the kindness and support our teams showed on the field was highly commendable. Well done Isabelle Lau (Year 4), Charlotte Lau (Year 4), Mia Farthing (Year 4), Evie Cho (Year 4) and Emily Long (Year 4). It was so nice to hear that you all rallied around each other to lift each other’s spirits, and never gave up until the very end, regardless of the result.
NSWCIS Cricket Trials
Congratulations to Elosie Lawry (Year 6), Georgia Friedel (Year 6), Chloe Lenane (Year 6) and Amelia Hanstrum (Year 6) who were selected to trial for the NSWCIS Cricket Representative team last Friday 3 February. Special mention to Eloise, Chloe and Amelia who were selected for the team. Elosie has also been nominated as Captain of the team. Well done, amazing effort.
IPSHA Representative Tennis Trials
Good luck to Zoe Liang (Year 5) and Gabrielle Chan (Year 6) who have been selected to trial for the IPSHA Tennis Representative team this Friday 10 February.
Matt Tyson
Head of Sports – Kindergarten to Year 6
Softball
Round 2 of the Invitation Independent Schools Softball Competition took place this past Saturday with Pymble winning both of their games.
Round 1 took place on the first weekend back at school, with our Senior team drawing and our Juniors winning.
Round 1
Team
Opponent
Result
Score
Pymble 01
Abbotsleigh 2
Draw
3 to 3
Pymble 02
Central Coast Grammar School 2
Win
21 to 8
Round 2
Team
Opponent
Result
Score
Pymble 01
Central Coast Grammar School 1
Win
12 to 4
Pymble 02
Barker College 2
Win
15 to 6
Match Report from Softball Captain Eloise Muller
The Senior Firsts Softball team travelled to Central Coast Grammar School on Saturday to play their top team. Pymble beat Central Coast Grammar School 12 to 4 against the tough conditions of playing on their Astro Turf Hockey field. Despite this, our players played a very memorable game of Softball including but not limited to; Sophie Christopher (Year 12) catching a fly ball securing the third out needed for Pymble to bat again, Maddie Coman (Year 12) hitting a ground ball ensuring three players made it home, then running home herself on the next hit. Pymble’s very own Sports Prefect – Rhedyn Wong (Year 12) hitting a home run in the second innings and Freya Howes (Year 10) catching multiple players out on the third strike as catcher. None of this would have been possible without the skills and support of all the players on the team but the Most Valued Player of the match was Miki Culver (Year 12) getting four outs at first base ensuring Pymble’s win. Congratulations on a great game and thank you to Central Coast Grammar School for having us.
Chris Wood
Sports Co-ordinator – Softball
Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to everyone who competed in the 2023 Secondary School Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic two days with exceptional house spirit and participation!
NSW State Championships 2022/2023 Swimming Report – Monday 12 December to Saturday 17 December 2022
Vibes were phenomenal as we successfully used the mantra that the team themselves designed for these championships of STICK;
Simple – stay in process
Trust tools
Intentions high, expectations low
Channel inner child
KPSC team focused.
There were many examples where this mantra created energy, calmness, toughness, and team spirit.
Pymble’s (not including Knox or our external boys) statistical results were as follows:
34 swimmers
142 events
88 Personal Bests
42 final swims
23 medals
KPSC – 2nd overall in NSW
Individual Medallist’s include:
Bella Zhang (Year 12)
Jessica Munk (Year 12)
Sarah Tian (Year 9)
Paris Zhang (Alumni)
Claudia Fydler (Alumni)
Added Relay Medallist’s:
Piper Gregory- Reid (Year 11)
Arabella Cox (Year 11)
Angelica Tan (Alumni)
Jenny Chong (Year 9)
Jessica Cullen (Year 10)
Jaya Lilienthal (Year 10)
Individual Finalist’s – top ten placegetters not mentioned above:
Elizabeth Lockhart (Year 10)
Annika Lee (Year 10)
Samantha Lever (Year 12)
Annabelle Li (Year 8)
I could not have been prouder of the swimmers. They lifted, endured, supported and lived and breathed our college values all weekend.
Thank you to Coach Sara for attending the event to film the swimmer’s races that aided in analysis. Thanks to Michelle who is a rock to the swimmers when they need anything and everything. Congratulations to Raf who coached many of his swimmers to first time National qualifications and State medals. Thank you to the parents that supported for seven days straight!
What a marathon!
Onward to Nationals and beyond!
2023 SMNE 13/U Speedo Sprint Meet Heats Report
31 Pymble swimmers as part of Knox Pymble Swim Club (KPSC) represented their club Saturday 4 February 2023 at the Sydney Metro North East (SMNE) Speedo Sprint meet. All swimmers achieved amazing personal bests, swimming with great technique and race skills. Every swimmer showed great team spirit!
The main aim of SMNE sprint series heats is to provide swimmers in the eight to thirteen years the opportunity to compete at a SMNE level. The top four swimmers in each age group will represent SMNE at the Speedo Series Finals. Fourteen Pymble Ladies have made it through to the finals on Saturday 4 March. This is a record for our program. The swimmers also competed in Freestyle and Medley relays. A huge congratulations to all swimmers and coaches for all their hard work over the last year.
Pymble students who competed:
Amelie Berg (Year 4), Amelia Carlan (Year 8), Megan Chia (Year 7), Lily Dao (Year 6), Emma Deere (Year 4), Carla Eibach (Year 6), Emma Feng (Year 4), Oriana Fenton (Year 6), Georgia Friedal (Year 6), Penelope Hargraves (Year 6), Imogen Jones (Year 7), Avika Kapoor (Year 6), Victoria Ko (Year 5), Sarah Kranes (Year 6), Estelle Lee (Year 7), Annabelle Li (Year 8), Crystal Li (year 3), Anne Liu (Year 7), Emma Ng (Year 7), Gwen Pickthall (Year 7), Lakshi Rajeev (Year 5), Charlotte Sadler (Year 6), Zara Sandham (Year 7), Chloe Shires (Year 6), Grace Wang (Year 4), Isabella Wang (Year 4), Erin Wei (Year 4), Jiayi Wu (Year 5), Bella Xu (Year 6), Jisoo Yeou (Year 8), Chenxuan Yu (Year 6), Olivia Yu (Year 3)
Congratulations to the following swimmers for making the finals:
Amelie Berg (Year 4), Amelia Carlan (Year 8), Megan Chia (Year 6), Emma Deere (Year 4), Carla Eibach (Year 6), Oriana Fenton (Year 6), Penelope Hargraves (Year 6), Imogen Jones (Year 7), Victoria Ko (Year 5), Crystal Li (Year 3), Anne Liu (Year 7), Emma Ng (Year 7), Charlotte Sadler (Year 6), Isabelle Wang (Year 4)
We wish those who made finals all the best and good luck everyone at your upcoming school events.
Lastly a massive thank you, to the parents for their contribution!
Coach Michelle Thomas on behalf of coach Sara Petrozino and Andrea Raso.
Leanne Speechley
Head Coach – Swimming
Water Polo
Week 1 of 2023 Water Polo season started with a BANG with some great Water Polo played in the pool, both in our Junior School (Year 5 and 6 IPSHA competition) and our Pymble Water Polo (Year 7 to 12 competition). The sun was shining all morning which definitely gave everyone an extra reason to smile!
Round 1
Flippa Ball Pymble 1
Tara 2
Round 1
Flippa Ball Pymble Navy
Meriden 1
Round 1
Flippa Ball Pymble Red
Ravenswood 3
Round 1
Pymble 1
Brigidine College
7 to 8
Round 1
Pymble 2
Pymble Ladies’ College
15 to 1
Round 1
Pymble 3
Pymble Ladies’ College
15 to 1
Round 1
Pymble 4
Barker College
6 to 4
Round 1
Pymble 5
Brigidine College
17 to 2
Round 1
Pymble 6
Pymble Ladies’ College
19 to 2
Round 1
Pymble 7
Pymble Ladies’ College
2 to 19
Brigette Moore
Sports Co-ordinator – Water Polo
Dance
Dance Staff 2023
Dance at Pymble is a multifaceted program with 6 x Streams across Cocurricular and Curricular K – 12. The operations behind the program have some amazing dedicated and passionate staff members who all care about your daughter’s journey in Dance.
Please see below for our Dance Staff 2023.
Key Dance Staff
This term we welcome Miss Genevieve Gardiner as our Dance Program Coordinator and congratulate Miss Samantha Hibburt who is now our Dance Program Manager.
Co-curricular Dance Staff
Director of Performing Arts – Mr Michael Griffiths
Head of Dance – Miss Katrina Cluff
Dance Program Manager – Miss Samantha Hibburt
Dance Program Coordinator – Miss Genevieve Gardiner
Performing Arts Administration – Mrs Alysha Marsden
Curricular Dance
Head of Learning Area – Mr Marcus Stafford
Academic Dance Teachers – Mrs Keya Pettigrew, Miss Melissa Cooper-Findlay, Mrs Rebecca York, Miss Katrina Cluff
We will soon publish our comprehensive list of all 25 Casual Dance Staff with their Bio’s and Photos so you can learn more about your daughters Dance Teacher.
2022 RAD Ballet Examination Results
Congratulations to all 60 of our Ballet students and staff for an amazing year last year. Term 4 was busy for ballet preparing for both the Showcase and the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exams. The dedication from all resulted in high quality results which we are incredibly proud to share.
We would like to congratulate all 13 students who received a Distinction and in particular, Stella Pieterse who received the top result with a High Distinction. This is an incredible result, considering the girls had two years off exams due to covid. We also had 17 students entered for the Class Award Exams and we couldn’t have been happier with their results.
A massive thank you to Miss Emma Dulvey, Miss Hannah Fowler, Miss Laura Fishwick and Mr Mitch Rayner for your passion and dedication in supporting our students in their ballet journey throughout the year, to Miss Phoebe Walker for her individualised approach in our private lessons and to Mrs Sonja Shulze, our Dance Physiotherapist for her care of the dancers.
We could not have managed the exam days without our dedicated Dance parent helper Mrs Danielle Scott for turning all our beautiful students into ballerinas on exam day by assisting them with their hair and attire and Miss Samantha Hibburt and Miss Laura Fishwick for Coordinating all ballet events, mock exams, workshops and classes which contributed to the girl’s success.
We are excited for 2023 Pymble Ballet and all the exciting opportunities this year will bring.
Katrina Cluff
Head of Dance
Music
Instrument Storage
The Music building has 4 instrument storage rooms for girls who have ensemble rehearsals at school and need to store their instruments. Please note that instruments are left at the College at your own risk, so parents may wish to take out separate insurance if applicable.
Junior School Band storage room: Between MS07 and MS08 on the Music Gallery level of the David Blackwell Music Centre.
Junior School String storage room: Studio H – at the Chapel end of the Music Colonnade ground level.
Senior School Band storage room: Lower level adjacent to the Big Rehearsal Room.
Senior School String storage room: Next to the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts end of the Music Building door (between the entry to the PA office and the Music building door)
Ensembles
Please note that all girls having instrumental lessons at the College must participate in an ensemble. Piano players might like to join the choir (Wednesday 7.30am in the Chapel) or join a band or play percussion. Alternatively, we are always looking for students to help with music for assemblies and Chapel services. If you play piano and would like to contribute to these events, please email Mrs Turner at sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Save the dates
February 15: CONCERTO COMPETITION – 7:00 pm in the Music Gallery. Please note error in timing from last week’s newsletter.
We are introducing the Concerto Competition and have 4 of our fine musicians from Year 12 performing in the 1st round of the Concerto Competition. Mr Paul Dyer AO – Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will be adjudicating and providing feedback. We encourage as many aspiring musicians to attend this event and connect with Mr Dyer.
February 25– 26: Junior School Music Camp – All students involved in the Junior School band and strings program are required to attend this camp. Information will be sent through soon.
March 31 – Senior School Ensemble Concert – 6:30pm on Gloucester Lawn: Bring your picnic rugs/chairs and dinner and enjoy the sonorous tones of your daughter as she brings to life some wonderful music to serenade you whilst you eat.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our Year 12 musicians: Piper Markson, Angel Yu, Ashleigh O’Young and Gabrielle Zhong, on their superb performances at the Concerto Competition on Wednesday night. All 4 girls performed with maturity and musicianship and were a credit to their parents and tutors.
Ashleigh and Gabrielle have made it through to the finals where they will work with the Symphony Orchestra to perfect their works and showcase them at the Senior School Ensemble Concert in Term 2 – June 21.
I extend my thanks to Mrs Colbey and Mr Stafford for their combined judicious remarks alongside Mr Paul Dyer AO, Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, in making a very difficult decision. Lucy Bell and Claire Oslington provided eloquent repartee throughout the evening, and I am grateful to them for extending their busy schedules.
Junior School Co-curricular Music
Please note the commencement dates for following Term 1 Week 4 and 5 Music Ensembles. If you have any concerns, please contact the relevant ensemble conductor.
Week 4 – Concert Band Rehearsal
Thursday 3.15pm – 4.15pm Year 4 Band Training Band – Music Gallery (Mrs Julia Zeltzer)
Week 5 – String Orchestra Rehearsal
Wednesday 3.15pm – 4.15pm Year 3 String Orchestra – Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey and Mr Mark Rossman)
Year 3 String Workshop Day
Year 3 String Workshop Day is to be held on Sunday 27 February in the John Reid Hall and Sunshine Square. Notes and information have been emailed to parents and students. The girls will participate in tutorials and rehearsals from 8.30am to 1.00pm with morning tea and lunch provided. It is essential that all students in the Year 3 String Program attend this day. Please return notes promptly to the Music or Junior School Offices or scan completed forms to musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
We are also seeking parent volunteers to assist with registration and helping to serve the food on a two-hour roster basis. Parents will be required to have a current WWCC number. Please email Music Admin musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you can assist in any way.
Stanhope and Grainger Band Intensive Weekend
All parents with students involved in the Stanhope and Grainger Bands will have received notes regarding our annual Junior School Band Workshop Day which will be held at the College on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February for all members of these ensembles. It will be a busy day of tutorials, rehearsals and activities to get these ensembles off to a flying start for 2023. All members of these two ensembles are expected to attend.
We are also seeking parent volunteers to assist with registration and helping to serve the food on a two-hour roster basis. Parents will be required to have a current WWCC number. Please email Music Admin musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you can assist in any way.
Year 4 Training Band Workshop Day
The Year 4 Training Band Workshop Day will be held on Sunday 27 February. The girls will participate in tutorials and rehearsals from 9.00am to 1.00pm with morning tea and lunch provided. It is essential that all students in the Year 4 Training Band Program attend this day. Please return notes as soon as possible to the Music or Junior School Offices or scan completed forms to musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with registration and helping to serve the food for a wo hour period. Any parents willing to help, please contact Music Admin musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. Parent volunteers will be required to have a current WWCC number.
Music Ensemble Rehearsals
Parents are reminded to note the start times for each rehearsal. Students are asked to arrive 5 minutes before the start time to help set up and ensure they are ready for the conductor’s down beat. Parents are asked to drop their daughter off outside the rehearsal space. If you would like to speak to the conductor, please send an email to arrange a suitable time to talk through any questions.
Mrs Sarah Turner
Head of Co-curricular Music
Drama
Drama co-curricular classes have kicked off for the year with exciting options in Acting for Film and Musical Theatre as part of the broad offering.
Please be aware that CCSA and I are working through the requests for changes of students and extension of class availability.
Please continue to check your emails and the APP for further information as we do our best to accommodate everyone.
Drama will also be offering further opportunities for involvement in productions this year and also the exciting International Shakespeare Festival in which students will perform with schools in the United Kingdom, America and New Zealand via digital platforms.
Michael Griffiths
Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts
Language Arts
Debating
Thank you for your patience during our lengthy audition process.
Team release through CCSA should have now ensured all debaters and parents have season draws and travel details.
The FED and ISDA competitions ONLY, commence tomorrow, on the 17 February. This Friday Pymble will host Scots for ISDA and FED will be travelling to Newington for FED debates. Parents are welcome. No Debater is permitted to travel home without adult supervision, following the conclusion of the debates. Girls wishing to travel on the train with a coach need train permissions.
Make up Rounds
These are held when camps and excursions impact.
Round 1 – Year 12 FED and ISDA, you will have make up rounds for Round 1. They will be held on 28 April
Round 2 – Year 7 ISDA, you will have a make up round for Round 2, on 28 April as Redlands Yr 7 is on camp.
Some teams will be combined at the start of the season for coaching, as currently, we do not have a full complement of coaches.
Most hosting schools will provide light refreshments only – tea, coffee and biscuits. Girls are advised to take additional food or some money should there be an opportunity to purchase food.
Archdale and Social debaters will be contacted later in the term regarding their start of season arrangements.
Zonta
The Zonta Club of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai is seeking written applications from students, 16-19 years, who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes. One scholarship worth USD5000 is on offer to the most exceptional applicant from NSW/ACT. Applications should be sent by email to zontahornsbykrg.ywpa@gmail.com by 5 March 2023. Please email Mrs Hubbard BHUbbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for further details.
Public Speaking Auditions
Thank you to those girls who have registered interest in Junior and Senior Public Speaking auditions. Material has been sent out, with information pertaining to the Rostrum, Legacy (Juniors) and PESA (Senior) competitions. The auditions will be held on 22 February from 3.30 to 5pm. Please contact Mrs Hubbard in the first instance if you are interested. Meet at the amphitheatre. The final venue is to be confirmed. Permission notes will be sent to those who have expressed interest.
Pymble Model United Nations
Pymble’s very own Model United Nations club welcomed many new Year 7 girls at lunch on Monday 13 February, in DK 06. See you next Monday! Contact Mulan Xu, MUN captain for further information. MLXU@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
MUN State Conference
Please contact Mulan Xu (see above) for further information.
Public Speaking Classes
We are pleased to inform that we have been able to now open three classes of Public Speaking on a Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.50pm. The third class will commence on Wednesday 22 February and CCSA will be in touch with those who have progressed from the waiting list to inform them of venue. Our coaches are all uni students experienced in Language Arts.
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Co-curricular Language Arts
Don’t miss Icebreaker 2023!
The Pymble Parents Association (PPA) warmly invites all school parents to the annual Icebreaker event, themed Summer Nights, on Friday 24 February from 6.45pm to 9.00pm on Gloucester Lawn.
We invite you to join the Principal, Chair of the Board, College Board members, staff and parents for a relaxed evening in what will be a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones.
The cost of the Icebreaker event is $58.00 which includes canapes and beverages. Please note this is a parent-only event and registration is essential.
Registrations are now open for the Pymble private bus service during Term 1 – all students must be registered to catch the bus and must have a current student ID card to tap on and off each trip.
The bus service commences on Tuesday 31 January and concludes on the last day of term with the scheduled afternoon run on Wednesday 5 April 2023.
Registration for the Pymble bus service is offered on a term-by-term basis, in two formats:
Term registration enables the student to access the bus service every day in the morning and afternoon. The charge is currently set at $390 per term.
Flexible registration enables the student to register for specific day(s) with a choice of morning and/or afternoon runs. The charge is currently set at $6.50 per trip.
While face masks are no longer mandatory on Pymble buses or all public transport options as per the updated COVID-19 rules in NSW, students are encouraged to wear one when travelling on Pymble buses. Existing government guidelines for household contacts/positive cases remain in place.
Notification of upcoming price increase
The College is committed to supporting our families by providing the Pymble bus service as an option for students travelling to and from school
Unfortunately, increased running costs due to inflationary pressures on all operating expenses, particularly fuel, has necessitated an increase in our bus registration fees. We are conscious of this impact on our families and have endeavoured to keep this increase to a minimum.
From Term 2 2023, bus registration fees will be as follows:
Full Term registration: $430.00 per term
Flexible registration: $7.50 per trip
Please contact College Services via collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have any further questions about transport to and from Pymble Ladies’ College.
Bookings open next week: Vision Valley Holiday Camp
Junior School girls, their siblings, and friends (male or female) in Years 3 to 6 are invited to attend the Vision Valley Easter Holiday Camp from Monday 17 April to Friday 21 April.
The holiday camp will offer overnight and day visit options and will feature a full activity program, including outdoor adventure activities, nature play and recreational games, all supervised by our experienced Vision Valley staff.
Bookings open next week so please keep an eye on the MyPymble parent portal for further instructions. Places are limited and will be allocated on receipt of registration.
Thinking of a career change? Think Pymble!
At Pymble, you will be wrapped in a culture of care, community and commitment to educational excellence. You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of a big and beautiful working environment. For more information about working at Pymble, click here.
Job of the Week: Office Coordinator
A newly imagined role will be the face of Pymble and provide exceptional customer service, support and care to all members of our community on a full-time permanent basis.
This position will see you working with our Executive Administration team and being responsible for supporting the delivery of various projects, functions and tasks to the highest standard. In supporting the Principal’s office, you will need to bring your advanced skills in discretion, flexibility and administration to support the multi-faceted needs of this integral team and the wider needs of the College.
Based in our Reception, you will also be one of the first representatives of the College that our visitors meet, requiring a friendly, approachable and action-orientated service to facilitate their needs. You will be in charge of the management of the reception area and associated tasks. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills will be key to your success.
A unique and rare opening, this position will work across the calendar year, including non-term time, and be an excellent step for those looking to continue their own professional and personal growth in a high level career. The proactive and successful applicant will also have future opportunities within this role to step into Executive Assistant coverage within the Principal and Deputy Principal’s offices.
Our kind of team member
You will display the following skills and attributes:
Well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive relationships based on respect and trust with all members of the community, including students, parents, staff and visitors to the College.
A strong understanding of the significance of the first point of contact and representation of the Principal’s office in the management of visitors to the College.
High level oral communication skills, as well as accuracy and attention to detail.
The ability to prioritise, show initiative and work under minimal supervision.
Be able to demonstrate professional conduct, maintain confidentiality and exercise discernment at all times.
An intermediate to advanced level computer and document management skills, especially with the Microsoft suite of applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and willingness to learn new technologies.
The ability to initiate clear processes for the effective management of Reception and the Principal’s office to facilitate other staff in the role.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
Pymble Construction Update
You may be aware of recent construction activity in the Junior School relating to the new Administration Hub we are building.
We will be communicating regularly with the College community to keep you informed of the progress of the construction work
The following works have commenced:
Site set up and mobilisation
Demolition works
Service search and identification
Survey set out of building
Excavation
The following works are programmed for the coming weeks:
Bulk earthworks
In ground services
Screw piling and excavation for footings
Strip footings will be poured.
Pymble’s safety measures:
All vehicle movement will occur outside of drop off and pick up times.
All vehicles are accompanied by a spotter walking in front of the vehicle.
Noise minimisation and dust suppression measures are in place.
Students will be involved in the theoretical construction process through discussion with the school construction representative, learning about the materials and methods used, and developing solutions to on-site problems.
Safety Requirements
Please do not walk onto the site.
Please do not talk directly to the workers or construction staff. If you have a concern, please reach out to communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu,au
The construction workers are instructed not to engage with the students.
Meet Pymble’s Bus Drivers
Every week we will feature a profile on one of our wonderful Pymble bus drivers. This week, we learn more about Lini and what makes her tick!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Linaire but I prefer to be called Lini. I have been married to my husband for 30 years and we have two daughters and three grandchildren.
I have a management / leadership / mentoring / teaching / coaching background with over 30 years’ experience. I was managing a recruitment company when COVID hit. We lost our clients and staff within five days, so I needed to look for an essential services position. I chose to pursue a bus driving career.
During my time in this industry, I’ve expanded my skills, in particular driving contracts within charters & special events, covid shuttles, routes, school runs and rail replacement. My current position the Pymble school run as well as operational support, marketing, promotions and driver education and training.
How long have you been a Pymble bus driver?
This term is my first as a Pymble driver.
What do you love about your job?
My enjoyment in being a bus driver Is being able to meet and greet a diverse range of people and transport them to their destination in a safe warm welcoming manner. I treat my passengers as if they are my family, or as I like to call it the “Lini Flava”. I also enjoy being outdoors & traveling throughout Sydney and discovering new locations.
What do you find challenging in your job?
I would not call it a challenge but after the second COVID wave, I have really noticed a huge increase in the number of cars on the road and that drivers are generally more impatient.
How did you get to school when you were young? Did you travel by bus?
I grew up in New Zealand and walked to school when I was young. I went to an all-girls college for senior school and I travelled there by bus.
What did you like about school when you were young?
My school was very strict and required us to be respectful of teachers and students at all times and present a very high standard of work. All core academic subjects and playing sport were mandatory. I was a prefect at school and played and coached netball. I founded my own netball club 27 years ago which is still going strong today! I still hold my New Zealand umpiring and coaching badges.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I work six days a week so my one day off is spent with family. I also enjoy the gym and going to the pool. I also teach boxing and run small fitness classes.
Do you have a pet or did you have one growing up? If your pet could talk, what would it say?
I grew up on a farm and we had over 42 animals including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, sheep and horses. They would have said, ‘Thank you for giving me a place I can call home and thank you for loving, caring, talking, singing, feeding and walking me.’
Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
